Before attending my first Readers Theatre Institute in Paris, France in 1991, my basic knowledge of readers theatre was primarily based on performance. It was just another form of theatre primarily used for presentation of dramatic material. Since attending the workshop in 1991, readers theatre has become much more.

As an educator working with able learners, what I learned about readers theatre as a teaching tool and method has been invaluable. When used correctly, readers theatre has helped improve student literacy and fluency, and has increased the students' understanding and appreciation of literature. One would think that these benefits would be enough to convince all teachers to use readers theatre as part of their teaching strategies, but there is more!

Readers theatre can be used effectively in integrated units and in all subject areas including mathematics, history, social studies, science, health, music, and art. A major reason for the success of using readers theatre to instruct is that it is a teaching tool which appeals to at least three of the multiple intelligences identified by Dr. Howard Gardner. In his research, Dr. Gardner has identified at least seven intelligences:

1. Linguistic--being gifted in the language areas of reading, writing, listening, and talking.

2. Logical-Mathematical--having unusual ability to problem solve and for mathematical concepts.

3. Spatial--having the ability to see mental images or pictures.

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic--having a keen sense of body movement and activity.

5. Musical--being gifted at processing rhythmically.

6. Intrapersonal--having an extraordinary sense of one's own affect.

7. Interpersonal--having an extraordinary sense of other's affect.

Readers theatre appeals to the learning styles of the linguistic students in that it uses reading and speaking. It is an effective learning tool for the bodily-kinesthetic students who learn best when involved in physical activity. The interpersonal learners are positively affected by the use of readers theatre as it is a cooperative learning experience.

Any teaching tool which can address more than one learning style and intelligence is destined to produce positive results. Readers theatre is a way for students to learn proactively and have fun while doing it!

Specific examples of how to use readers theatre in the classroom and across curriculum will follow in future issues.