Last week in our Social Studies Methods class, groups of students presented tradebooks they had read by performing a short skit from one of the scenes in the book. Then we had to be willing to answer questions from the audience, not as ourselves, but as the character we portrayed. The only criteria for the presentation was that it had to address a social studies theme. It was a project I enjoyed both as an actor and as a member of the audience.

How can this be used in an elementary classroom?

Students could perform their favorite parts of the book.

They could perform a scene from the book, with a twist--like a character could make a different choice..

They could each be assigned a segment of the story and perform it in sequential order thus retelling the entire story.

Students could perform a scene from the book as a way to persuade others to read the book.

Students could perform scenes from different books written from different perspectives of a single event in history. It was an extremely enjoyable activity both as an actor and as a member of the audience.

What about students who don't like to perform in front of others?

They could contribute by providing costumes, props, or scenery(A poster to serve as a backdrop).

How would you group students for this project?

You could create random groups--if this not going to have a high point value towards a grade.

You could create groups based on abilities- making sure every group has an equal share of actors vs. non-actors for example.

You could let them list their first, second, and third choices for who they want to work with and then create groups from those lists.

How do students benefit?

They have to read the book well enough to know how to answer questions as their character.

They learn to collaborate.

They learn to speak in front of a group.

They get to learn what others value (if students choose their favorite scene).

They get to learn about other books (if students preform scenes from different books) which will hopefully motivate them into reading the books.