Geoff's Prediction Readers' Theatre Unit

Included in the Geoff’s Prediction Readers’ Theatre Unit:
6 page script
1-3 narrators
4 characters - 2 major characters & 2 supporting characters
1 page explaining “What is Groundhog Day?”
15 metacognitive questions
Book review activity
Student Success Criteria
Student Friendly Goals
Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist

Geoff’s Prediction synopsis:
Everyone in town is excited to hear Geoff the groundhog’s prediction. He has endorsement deals and is the talk of the town. Weather reporter Murray Cowling also depends on Geoff’s prediction for his ratings. On February 2nd, everyone stands by his burrow in anticipation, but what if Geoff doesn’t wake up in time? What happens when Geoff wakes up but he isn’t sure if he sees his shadow? Will it be an early spring or a long winter? What will happen to Murray’s ratings? Find out in the Geoff’s Prediction readers’ theatre unit!

Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story.

Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks.

If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago.

Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment.

I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles.When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class?

When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader.

I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person.

I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together.

I hope you, and your students enjoy reading Geoff’s Prediction and continue to do so for many years.
Happy Groundhog Day and Excelsior!
Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre