This recent publication from the Daughters of St. Paul, Pauline Books and Media, is a real treat for kids from about grade 3 through grade 5 or 6 – and their teachers. It is “easy” theater, that is, all it requires is the ability to read. The book blends various character traits with decision-making and refers to a life of a saint to shed light on appropriate behavior choices for today.
If the class moves from “readers theater” to “real theater” or live theater, there are suggestions for movement and expression. There is one play per month and therefore twelve saints. Here are the saints and the themes: John Bosco (learning leadership), Bakhita (forgiveness), Mother Mary (facing fear), Gianna Molla (setting priorities), Bernardine of Siena (respecting language), Paul (living faith), Bl. Kateri (sticking to principles), Clare (treating others equally), Andrew Kim Daegeon (being helpful), St. Therese (living the “little way”), St. Martin de Porres (looking for God in everyone), Juan Diego (humility).
I think these would make good “radio” plays as well (if you decide to record or tape be sure to check for the school or parish policies and ask for permission from parents). Producing media is also very educational for kids because they learn how much work goes into production and they come to udnerstand more about how all media, even in Readers Theater, is constructed by what we choose to include or leave out, and performance qualities such as tone of voice, movement, facial expression, etc.
Click here to order Spotlight on Saints
– Sr Rose
Spotlight on Saints!
By Diana R. Jenkins Illustrated by Virginia Helen Richards, FSP
Twelve humorous readers’ theater scripts, performed with or without props, engage and entertain students in grades 4–8. The book includes a play for every month of the year that features a contemporary kid with a real-life problem—and a saint who helps them solve it.
Written in an easy-to-use readers theater format, these scripts work well in a variety of educational settings, teach basic information about the saints, promote good values, motivate, and inspire. Kids will enjoy the funny storylines and the quirky characters so much that they won’t even notice how much they’re really learning.
Special features include an introduction giving teachers valuable tips on using readers theater in the classroom, hints on presentation and props, and a short biography of each featured saint. All scripts are reproducible for classroom use.
What Are People Saying about this Title?
“Spotlight on Saints! Is school theater at its best—modern “morality plays” filled with humor, real choices, and relevant saints…these plays will be a welcome resource for middle grades and junior high!” — Mary Paul McCaughey, OP Superintendent of Catholic Schools Archdiocese of Chicago“
This book will be a great resource and teaching tool in any religious education program…Jenkins’ experience as a special education teacher shines through. Spotlight on Saints! is terrific!” — Susan Lang Abbott Director of Religious Education Archdiocese of Boston
“ Spotlight on Saints! will surely keep children attentive and engaged while they learn how saints can help us in many situations.” — Theresa M. Maugle, SSJ Recipient, 2007 National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Principals Award, St. Genevieve School , Flourtown , Pennsylvania
About the author After twenty years as a special education teacher, Diana R. Jenkins became a freelance writer. She has written more than four hundred stories, comic strips, and articles for children and teens, as well as two earlier books of readers theater plays. Her books Stepping Stones: The Comic Collection and Saints of Note: The Comic Collection will be released in 2009 by Pauline Books & Media. Diana lives in Montgomery , Ohio , with her husband, a medical physicist.
Paperback / 184 pages / Dimensions: 8 1/2″ x 10 3/4″ / ISBN: 0819871192
Retail Price: $18.95
May 2, 2009
Pauline Initiatives in Los Angeles & San Diego 