Library to host readers theater for elementry children

By Dave Clark

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | midnight

Elementary children will have the opportunity to stage a presidential play at Paseo Verde Library this November without having to memorize lines.

Youth services specialist Florica Hagendorn said children who sign up for "So You Want to be President" will learn history in the humorous play while sharpening their reading skills.

"The child doesn't have to become stressed about learning lines and forgetting them," she said. "Instead, they can concentrate on reading it really well, with fluency and speaking with expression."

Children between second and fifth grade can begin signing up next Monday for the hourlong practices that will be held Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27. The Readers Theater will culminate in an hour and a half performance at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Hagendorn said children will read scripts describing each of the 43 presidents, which will also include fun facts such as George Washington's sets of wooden and ivory teeth.

"Children are natural actors," she said. "They get up there and feel special."

Hagendorn noted the Readers Theater is used in many libraries, and thanks to a grant, Paseo Verde plans to host quarterly productions next year.

Students will have simple costumes such as an American hat and bowtie, and may make props. Parts will be divided equally among the participants. Hagendorn will also share books on the presidents and Washington, D.C.

Dave Clark is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].