Use the Arts: Add Lustre to the Reading Program.

A variety of ways to use television, drama, and music to enhance reading instruction are presented in this paper. The use of television is suggested as a motivator for reading and as a means to teach reading skills, and the use of books with television or movie tie-ins is suggested as a way to motivate readers. Sources for obtaining television scripts that can be used for reading materials are cited, and television guides designed for teacher use are described. Specific ideas for relating television viewing to the development of reading skills that are given include: (1) oral reading of scripts; (2) development of original scripts for oral reading; (3) comparison of themes treated in different programs and in different media; (4) comprehension of theme, plot, and character development; (5) vocabulary development; and (6) critical evaluation. Suggestions for combining drama with reading instruction include performing published or student created plays and using readers' theatre. It is also suggested that music can be used for learning in a relaxed manner and that songs can be used as the reading content for reluctant readers. (MKM)