📖 ReadingLevel 1Lesson 32
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Acting Out a Story

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Plan and perform a story dramatization using the beginning, middle, and end
  • 2Use character voices, expressive reading, and simple movement to bring a story to life
  • 3Apply all Reading Together skills in a final group performance
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Mini Lesson

Acting out a story is one of the most exciting things a reader can do! When you perform a story, you use everything you know about the characters, the setting, and the plot — and bring it to life for an audience. This is the grand finale of your Reading Together unit!

Step 1 — Choose and plan your story

  • Pick a short story everyone knows — from this course or any picture book.
  • On paper, write a quick story map: beginning (characters + setting), middle (problem + climax), end (resolution).
  • Assign roles: who plays each character? Who is the narrator?

Step 2 — Prepare your performance

  • Character voice — give each character a distinct voice. A small mouse speaks quietly and high; a big bear speaks slowly and low.
  • Expression — match your voice to the mood: scared → quiet and trembling; excited → loud and fast; sad → slow and soft.
  • Movement — use simple actions: tiptoe for sneaking, arms wide for flying, crouching for hiding.
  • Narrator — the narrator reads clearly and at a steady pace, setting the scene for the audience.

Step 3 — Perform!

  • Speak loudly enough for your audience to hear every word.
  • Look up from the page as often as you can — make eye contact with the audience.
  • Pause after important moments to let the audience feel the emotion.
  • Enjoy it! The audience is rooting for you.
Three stick-figure actors on a stage with red curtainsA small stage with red curtains and three stick-figure actors performing a scene. The first actor holds a crown, the second holds a magic wand, and the third holds a book. A simple backdrop is visible behind them.On stage — acting out the storyKingWizardNarratorLights · voices · action!
Three actors on stage — a king, a wizard, and a narrator with a book.
Four-step preparation flow for acting out a storyA four-step flow for preparing a performance. Step 1 is pick a scene with a paper icon. Step 2 is choose characters with a drama mask icon. Step 3 is practice lines with a mouth icon. Step 4 is perform with a star icon. Arrows connect each step.Prepare in 4 steps1Pick ascenestory map2Choosecharactersassign roles3abcPracticelinesvoice · mood4Perform!loud +clearpick scene → choose cast → practice → perform
Four preparation steps: pick a scene, choose characters, practice lines, perform.
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Ask yourself: "Does my voice show what the character is feeling? Can my audience picture exactly where they are and what is happening?"

Vocabulary
Dramatization
Acting out a story for an audience — with voices, expression, and movemente.g. Our dramatization of The Three Little Pigs was a hit.
Narrator
The person who reads the story parts that are not dialoguee.g. The narrator set the scene at the start of the show.
Character voice
A special voice you use for each character so they sound differente.g. She used a squeaky character voice for the little mouse.
Expression
Changing your voice to match the mood — pace, volume, and pitche.g. He read the scary part with slow, quiet expression.
Audience
The people who watch and listen to a performancee.g. The audience clapped at the end of the show.
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