Novice Reading: A Fun and Exciting Way to Build Confidence

Novice reading is a fantastic event, especially for those just starting out in speech and debate. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence and improve your public speaking skills.

What makes novice reading unique is that it’s a bit easier compared to some other events. To start, you’ll need a small black binder with your piece printed out and placed inside. You’ll hold the binder while performing, and you’re allowed to glance at it and turn the pages as needed. Ideally, you’ll have your piece memorized, but having the binder as a backup will help you stay on track if you need a little reminder.

One of the cool things about novice reading is that it’s a one-year event. This means you’ll only compete in novice reading for your first year, so you’re not up against seasoned competitors. This gives you a great chance to build your skills in a supportive environment.

What’s also great about novice reading is that you don’t have to worry about writing or transitioning between scenes like in other interpretive categories. All you need to focus on is performing your piece, with just a simple intro to set the stage. It’s a perfect starting point to prepare for other events down the road while helping you gain confidence in performing.

Of course, like every event, there are rules and guidelines to follow. While judges will be fair and helpful, there are also some "unwritten" rules that can give you an edge in the competition.

Key Guidelines:

• Rule 1: Stay grounded: Keep one foot in the same spot during your performance. You can move your other foot or your body, but it should make sense with the story and characters.

• Rule 2: Time limit: Your piece should take around 10 minutes to perform. If it goes over 10:30, you won’t be eligible for 1st place, and some judges may be stricter about this. It’s always best to stay within the time limit!
  

Tips for Success:

• Pick a unique piece: Choose something you enjoy, but be mindful of pieces that are overdone or too familiar. For example, avoid classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas or The Three Little Pigs, and try to stay away from stories like The Gruffalo, which was performed a lot last year. Judges will likely remember the performances from previous competitions, even if they don’t intend to compare you directly.
  

• Add character voices and body language: One of the best parts of novice reading is the chance to bring your characters to life! Try creating distinct voices for each character. For example, a mouse could have a small, squeaky voice, while a bear could have a deep, booming tone. Experiment with different body movements and expressions too—perhaps a teacher in the story has a French accent or maybe the old witch has a hump back. You can also think about how your binder can even become part of the performance, like knocking on it as if it were a door.
  

• Practice, practice, practice: Like with any event, practice makes perfect. If you’re feeling inspired, grab a book and start practicing your voices and movements. Read to your siblings, or even talk to a wall! Watch cartoons or TV shows and mimic the characters’ voices. It doesn’t need to sound exactly like them, but it can help spark creative ideas for your own performance.
  

Above all, remember that novice reading is all about having fun and building your skills. You’ve got the freedom to be as creative as you like while telling your story. Good luck, and enjoy the process! Book Suggestions: "Owl Goes on Holiday" by Jane Chapman

• Characters: Owl, Mole, Squirrel, Rabbit

• Why It’s Unique: Owl embarks on a holiday to relax, but things don't go as planned when his friends show up unexpectedly, each with their own needs and personalities. The humorous situations that arise from the different personalities make this a great, funny read for kids.

• Read Time: ~8-10 minutes

• Themes: Vacation, friendship, relaxation, humor
  

"A Bad Case of Stripes" by David Shannon

a bad case of the stripes.pdf

Download PDF • 5.85MB

• Characters: Camilla Cream, her classmates, her parents, the doctor

• Why It’s Great for Performing: The transformation of Camilla and her quirky interactions with the characters provide lots of opportunities for dramatic flair. Each character, from the doctor to the classmates, can have their own distinct voice and personality.
  

"Hedgehog Leaves Home" by Ulf Stark

• Characters: Hedgehog, various animals he encounters on his journey

• Why It’s Unique: This is a gentle, funny story about Hedgehog deciding to leave home in search of adventure. Along the way, he meets a variety of animals that bring humor and warmth to the story. The cozy tone, paired with charming illustrations, makes it perfect for a read-aloud.

Themes: Adventure, courage, humor, friendship

Princess Chamomile Gets Her Way

Princess Chamomile Gets Her Way.pdf

Download PDF • 2.77MB

Princess Chamomile Gets Her Way is a great piece to perform because it has a simple, clear storyline that's easy for an audience to follow. The various characters allow for a diverse cast, and the escalating chaos provides many opportunities for humor and physical comedy. The story also has a positive message about the importance of being considerate of others, which makes it both entertaining and meaningful