Readers theatre—the oral expressive interpretation of a scripted piece of literature read in a dynamic, dramatic style— is an outstanding technique for encouraging vocabulary development, fluency and expression in all readers. Pioneer Drama Service now carries two bilingual readers theatre textbooks for the elementary school level—Mother Goose Readers Theatre for Beginning Readers and Don Quijote in America. Educators across the country attest to the unbelievable joy that comes about when readers theatre is introduced into a library or classroom experience. English language learners (ELL students) especially benefit from readers theatre because they can see, hear and practice using English and developing their listening, reading and speaking fluency. It provides participants with a legitimate reason for rereading text in an enjoyable and engaging format. Mother Goose Readers Theatre for Beginning Readers is written for children reading at first and second grade levels and uses endearing Mother Goose rhymes as its basis. Simultaneous Spanish translations for several plays as well as an introductory chapter discussing the educational value of using readers theatre with young readers and ELL students make it especially valuable to teachers and librarians. This book is incredibly comprehensive, including presentation and instructional follow-up suggestions and staging diagrams that enable teachers to use each script with entire classrooms of students. Don Quijote in America features 10 plays for grades 1-6 presented in both English and Spanish. Equally accessible to Spanish-dominant and English-dominant students, each play includes a list of essential vocabulary words that will enhance every student’s language abilities. Tested in both inner-city and suburban schools, the plays dramatically improve reading and speaking skills; more than that, they promote creativity, teamwork and self-confidence. Besides helping ELL students enhance their reading and listening skills and develop expressive oral skills, readers theatre increases their self-esteem and self-confidence while having fun. What more could a teacher ask for?! | 
