Reader's Theatre

One way to have fun while learning to read at the same time is through reading plays. First grade learns through what is called "reader's theatre." Through reader's theatre, students are encouraged to read smoothly with feeling - just like the character would. At this stage in our reading development, acting out the parts might be a little distracting. Instead, we focus on telling the story with our voices.

Below are listed some of the plays that we have used in class. As time allows, I would love to continue adding to our collection. Please feel free to use these scripts at home to practice reading fluency. Although some scripts have many parts, these scripts are often based on favorite children's stories in 1st grade. Many of the scripts only have a few parts, which would make reading with family members a breeze. Challenge your children to practice a play while you cook dinner, and then have a "dinner theatre" performance after eating!

Happy Reading!

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The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

Parts (5) Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Narrator 3 City Mouse Country Mouse






































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Narrator 1: One day the city mouse went to visit her cousin who lived in the country.

Narrator 2: The country mouse was very happy to see her cousin. She set out a few crumbs of bread and a tiny piece of cheese.

Narrator 3: Then the country mouse said...

Country Mouse: Welcome, cousin! Come and eat some of my tasty food.

City Mouse: This is not what I would call tasty food. Why, in the city I eat cakes, pies, and fancy goodies all day long.

Narrator 1: The city mouse told the country mouse.

Narrator 2: Then the city mouse said...

City Mouse: Why don't you come to the city with me and see what you have been missing.

Narrator 3: So the country mouse followed her cousin back to the city.

Narrator 1: The two mice climbed on top of a table piled high with all kinds of fancy foods.

Narrator 2: There were cakes, pies, and cookies.

Country Mouse: Oh, my! How I have wasted my time in the country. I like the city. This is great!

Narrator 3: The country mouse told her cousin.

Narrator 1: Just then the doors to the dining room opened and a huge cat ran right toward the two little mice.

City Mouse: Hurry! Run! Run! It's the cat!

Narrator 2: The city mouse called out to her cousin.

Narrator 1: The two mice ran to the nearest hiding place.

Narrator 2: As soon as the cat went away the country mouse said...

Country Mouse: Good-bye, cousin. You're welcome to your city life. It is not for me. I will be happy with my simple country life. Your life may be fancy, but it's just not safe.

Narrator 3: And so the country mouse ran all the way home and never again returned to the city.

All: And today's fable has this moral:

Country Mouse: A simple life lived in peace is better than a life of luxury lived in fear.
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Adapted by Lisa Blau


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Parents and Teachers:

I hope to make my website a growing resource for developing readers. If you find links to any interesting, appropriate scripts for first graders, please send me the link or a copy of the script!

Thanks!