Readers' Theater: A Process of Developing Fourth-Graders' Reading Fluency

Authors: Clark, Rachel; Morrison, Timothy; Wilcox, Brad

Source: Reading Psychology, Volume 30, Number 4, July 2009 , pp. 359-385(27)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This study examines the process of fluency development of three fourth-grade readers of varying reading abilities. Participants were selected based on the number of words they read correctly per minute (WCPM) on the Qualitative Reading Inventory and their score on the Multidimensional Fluency Scale (MFS). Students participated in an 8-week intervention using readers' theater for fluency instruction and practice. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Students were observed during the literacy block of the school day, interviewed three times each, and provided weekly student self-reports. WCPM and MFS scores were recorded weekly. Findings showed inconsistent accuracy scores but documented the progress of students' development in two of the four MFS categories: pace and expression/volume. Motivation and confidence also increased through use of readers' theater.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02702710802411620

Affiliations: 1: Department of Teacher Education, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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