Do you teach civics, government, social studies or history?  Did you know that Constitution Day is September 17 in the United States? "The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States" is a short Readers Theater using only the words of the Preamble.  But, it comes complete with two pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  Although the readability is for middle school, even elementary students have been successful at memorizing the Preamble.  In fact, the curriculum links share a video of a 3-year-old reciting the Preamble.  Perfect for grades 3-12, "The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States" will help YOUR students memorize and engage with this important piece of the Constitution.  (Two font sizes.)

TIME:  about 50 seconds     CAST:  10+ (chorus option)    TONE:  sober       READABILITY: grade 7.2

Patriotic excitement sprinkled with a little humor, "Francis Scott Key and the Star-Spangled Banner" makes learning history fun.  This Readers Theater script includes real quotes from history for your elementary or gifted primary students.  Complete with six pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Francis Scott Key and the Star-Spangled Banner" tells the story of the United States national anthem and the flag in the context of the War of 1812.   (Note:  This is the simplified version, with less vocabulary and shortened sentences.)

TIME:  about 13 min.       CAST:  6-9         TONE:  serious with humorous sprinkles     READABILITY:  grade 4.6 (vocabulary listed on first page)

Patriotic excitement sprinkled with a little humor, "Francis Scott Key and the Star-Spangled Banner" makes learning history fun.  This Readers Theater script includes real quotes from history for your upper elementary or gifted students.  Complete with six pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Francis Scott Key and the Star-Spangled Banner" tells the story of the United States national anthem and the flag in the context of the War of 1812.

TIME:  13+ min.       CAST:  6-9         TONE:  serious with humorous sprinkles     READABILITY:  grade 5.9 (vocabulary listed on first page)

The United States anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" has inspired generations.  Although we have a script "Francis Scott Key and the Star-Spangled Banner," with the story behind the patriotic song, this script is a Readers Theater adaptation of the song lyrics.  "The Star-Spangled Banner Lyrics" includes all four verses and comes complete with lots of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  Although the readability scale says grade 3, the lyrics are appropriate for every grade level 2-8+.  (High school students could use this script, but I believe they'd enjoy adapting the lyrics to their own creative script!)

TIME:  less than 2 1/2 min.  CAST:  3-7+, CHORAL (if desired)  TONE:  serious   READABILITY:  grade 3.1

Here's the 5th-6th grades version of our popular Readers Theater script "Presidents' Day Quiz Parade."  There are four versions of this fun audience-participation quiz show script. Others are original (R=3.7), primary (R=2.0), and middle school versions. Combine different level scripts for multi-level teaching. Focused on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, this quiz show includes fun facts from American history.  Complete with many annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, the most difficult vocabulary is listed before the script. 

TIME:  about 11 min.    CAST: 2-13       TONE:  light, educational, positive     READABILITY:  grade 5.6

Part III of our biographical series for beginning readers on the life of Clara Barton, "Clara Barton, Nurse and Red Cross Founder"  is the super simple version of our original Readers Theater script written for upper elementary or gifted students.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Clara Barton, Nurse and Red Cross Founder" fits well with a study of community helpers.

TIME:  about 2 1/2 minutes   CAST: 6-7+ (optional chorus)   TONE:  serious and educational   READABILITY:  grade 3.3 (Grade 3.0 removing Clara's lines with these words:  president, bandages, medicine.)  I think second graders could handle it easily, but give Clara's part to a better reader.

Part III of our series of biographical scripts on the life of Clara Barton, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Battlefield Nurse and Red Cross Founder--Simplified"  provides an opportunity to build some vocabulary and discuss history.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, this series of scripts complements a unit study on the Civil War, famous women, or helping others.  Although the readability of the original is grade 7, this is the simplified version.  (We have an easier one for beginning readers.) 

TIME:  about 5 1/2 minutes   CAST: 6-7+ (optional chorus)   TONE:  serious and educational  READABILTIY:  grade 5.7 (grade 5.1 without the word narrator)

"Never, Never, Never Forget 9/11"  honors heroes as we remember the attacks and the lives lost on September 11, 2001, in this free Readers Theater script.  This powerful script, told from the eyewitness Lady Liberty, includes flashback newscasts to create the feeling of current events--not history.

 Although this is a difficult topic, the extensive annotated curriculum links for easy plans will simplify your life. There is also a link to "Thinking Questions" that go along with this Readers Theater. Written for mature 3rd-4th graders, the script is probably best used with 5th-6th graders, middle schoolers, and possibly high schoolers or adults doing patriotic programs or Patriot Day activities. 

TIME:  about 10 1/2 minutes  CAST: 5+ (includes a chorus)  TONE:  somber   READABILITY:  grade 6.2 (multi-syllable vocabulary; mostly listed on cover page)

How do you teach about honoring soldiers, veterans, or their memories?  "Sack Lunch Flying" is a free Readers Theater script that will make it easy--both with the touching story and the annotated curriculum links at the end for easy lesson plans.  Perfect for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, and patriotic programs, this script contains links to the stories of veterans, plus an opportunity to write someone in the military.  (NOTE:  Simplified version has a readability of grade 3.1.)

TIME:  about 4 minutes  TONE:  serious  CAST:  9  READABILITY:  grade 4.6 because of some 3-4 syllable words (e.g., Afghanistan)

Based on three sworn historical affidavits from Betsy’s daughter, granddaughter, and niece, this free Readers Theater script briefly presents the story of the first flag of the United States of America.  Although it's a serious subject, the characters in "The Betsy Ross Story" are jovial and patriotic.  This historical script embodies character qualities of respect, diligence, helpfulness, and honesty.  Perfect for Flag Day, patriotic programs, or unit studies on American history, "The Betsy Ross Story"  should also be useful for ESL classes.  Curriculum Links current as of January, 2017.

TIME:  about 10 minutes  CAST: 6  TONE:  realistic historical   READABILITY: Grade 5.2 (4.7 without the word "Narrator") (Note:  This Readers Theater script would work well in a program with patriotic music.)