Reader’s Theater delights at Osan Elementary

OSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA – Osan Middle High School’s book club recently visited students at Osan Elementary School, performing reader’s theater in celebration of National Book Week.

This event was planned and coordinated by Ms. Monica Hoagland, Information Specialist at Osan ES, and Ms. Christin Dunham, Information Specialist and Book Club Sponsor at Osan MHS.

Participating book club members dedicated several weeks to rehearsing their roles while Ms. Monica Hoagland, Information Specialist at Osan Elementary School, and Ms. Christin Dunham, Information Specialist and Book Club sponsor at Osan Middle High School scheduled performances for 19 Osan Elementary classes, ranging from PreK to fifth grade. The book club performed different scripts, based on age and interest. 

“It helped me not be afraid of speaking in front of an audience,” said Alyssa Thompson, sixth grade student.

The performance for the fourth and fifth grade students was a court case, based on the fairy tale, The Three Little Pigs, in which the big, bad wolf was on trial. Was it murder or did their poorly constructed homes really crush them to death? The fourth and fifth graders got to be the jury and decide if the wolf was guilty or not guilty. Some classes couldn’t reach the necessary unanimous verdict and thus, a mistrial was declared.

“The reader's theater performance was absolutely fantastic,” second grade teacher Caitlin Emerson said. “The students brought the script to life with energy, expression, and confidence. It was incredible to see their hard work, creativity, and collaboration shine. This presentation allowed my students to experience not only reading fluency, but also teamwork and confidence that will stay with them well beyond the classroom.”

The book club students enjoyed the experience and have already decided to perform reader’s theater again next school year.