Which statement best describes the purpose of using reader's theater in literacy development?

• A. It helps students develop oral fluency and expressive reading
• B. It improves handwriting speed
• C. It teaches spelling accuracy
• D. It improves silent reading comprehension only

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that reader's theater aims to improve how students read aloud by focusing on expression and meaning. When students perform scripts, they practice speaking with appropriate pace, phrasing, and intonation, which builds oral fluency and the ability to convey character intent and emotion through voice. Rehearsing and performing helps them notice punctuation cues, stress important ideas, and read with confidence, all of which reinforce how text sounds and flows. While it can support confidence and listening skills, the core benefit is developing expressive, fluent oral reading, rather than handwriting speed, spelling accuracy, or silent-reading skills alone.