This week in Guided Reading, the children completed Readers Theatre based on their English class read ‘The Explorer’.
We used an extract taken from ‘The Explorer’ where Fred notices a collection of tree stumps which look unusual. Upon further inspection, Fred realises that the tree stumps have been hacked with either an axe or a machete, meaning it must have been done by someone
! In the extract, Con begs Fred not to go into the den and tension builds as Fred tries to get her on board.
Our focus for this week was to use expression to convey how characters are feeling. The children started by listening to their class teacher model the reading, using tone, expression, intonation and pauses to bring the character’s to life and build tension. Then, the children completed echo and choral reading to practice themselves.
In groups, the children completed text marking, where they annotated the extract showing exactly where to raise or lower their volume, adapt their tone/intonation and where to pause. In groups, they practiced their performance and thought carefully about how to deliver their lines.
On Friday, the each group performed their part in front of the class. The children worked hard to bring the characters to life, with some children adding in actions and adapting their voices to really express feeling and emotion.
