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You are here: Home » Literature Scripts, Grades 3-5 » Biblical Literature, Grades 3-5

Biblical Literature, Grades 3-5

Click on a Readers Theater script title below to read an excerpt from the script and to access the printable PDF (complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans).

IMPORTANT: Most of our scripts are available to our paying Script Buffet Club members only. Each one pays a little and reaps a lot. :)

R = Readability grade level (based on Flesch-Kincaide Readability Formula)

Below are script titles in order of publication, most recent first.

= exclusive script for Script Buffet Club paying members

NOTE: To see the rest of the list, click "more articles >>" at the bottom of the page.

Recent articles

Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Original) (R = 2.8) Apr 7, 2020: Some of our Script Buffet Club members have requested Readers Theater scripts based on Biblical literature. "Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Original)" comes from the Book of Acts. Is healing still valid today? You decide. Like our other scripts this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. But, one section of the curriculum links focuses on Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker born without arms or legs. Nick was bullied, lonely, and depressed; however, as an overcomer he now encourages students around the globe. The links on Nick include part of his story in words and in videos. Perfect for elementary students in grades 2, 3, and 4, this original script and the annotated curriculum links will inspire you and your students.

TIME: 4 min. CAST: 5-6+ (optional chorus) TONE: upbeat READABILITY: grade 2.8

Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Advanced) (R = 3.5) Apr 7, 2020: Some of our Script Buffet Club members have requested Readers Theater scripts based on Biblical literature. "Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed!" comes from the Book of Acts. Is healing still valid today? You decide. Like our other scripts this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. But, one section of the curriculum links focuses on Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker born without arms or legs. Nick was bullied, lonely, and depressed; however, as an overcomer he now encourages students around the globe. The links on Nick include part of his story in words and in videos. Perfect for elementary students in grades 3, 4 and 5, this script and the annotated curriculum links will inspire you and your students.

TIME: 4 min. CAST: 5-6+ (optional chorus) TONE: upbeat READABILITY: grade 3.5

Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Simplified) (R = 1.7) Apr 7, 2020: Some of our Script Buffet Club members have requested Readers Theater scripts based on Biblical literature. "Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed!" comes from the Book of Acts. Is healing still valid today? You decide. Like our other scripts this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. But, one section of the curriculum links focuses on NickVujicic, a motivational speaker born without arms or legs. Nick was bullied, lonely, and depressed; however, as an overcomer he now encourages students around the globe. The links on Nick include part of his story in words and in videos. Perfect for primary students in grades 2 and 3, this simplified script and the annotated curriculum links will inspire you and your students.

TIME: 4 min. CAST: 5-6+ (optional chorus) TONE: upbeat READABILITY: grade 1.7

Feeding the Multitude: Feeding the 4000 (R = 4.2) May 30, 2013: By member's request, here's a light-hearted script based on Biblical literature. Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Feeding the Multitude: Feeding the 5000" draws students into this popular story. Use with our companion script, "Feeding the Multitude: Feeding the 4000," to compare and contrast the two similar stories from New Testament literature.

TIME: a little over 5 min. CAST: 5-11 TONE: varies–serious and light READABILITY: grade 4.2

Feeding the Multitude: Feeding the 5000 (R = 3.9) May 30, 2013: By member's request, here's a light-hearted script based on Biblical literature. Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Feeding the Multitude: Feeding the 5000" draws students into this popular story. Use with our companion script, "Feeding the Multitude: Feeding the 4000," to compare and contrast the two similar stories from New Testament literature.

TIME: a little over 5 min. CAST: 8 (plus optional crowd chorus) TONE: varies–serious and light READABILITY: grade 3.9

Percy and Pudge: The Sand Castle (R = 2.1) Dec 31, 2011: Character-building fun at its best, "Percy and Pudge: The Sand Castle" contrasts two pelican brothers, one wise and one foolish. Although this memorable Readers Theater script has 2 narrators and 2 character roles, you could adapt it to be 1-2 narrators and 2 choruses. One chorus could be Percy and the other Pudge.

Complete with annotated curriculum links on pelicans and sand castles, some readers will recognize similarities to the familiar parable of "The Wise Man and the Foolish Man." Perfect for elementary, middle school, family fun, and some ESL classes,"Percy and Pudge: The Sand Castle" could be used as a cross-curricular unit launch for integrative teaching.

TIME: about 6 minutes CAST: 3+, or 1-2 narrators and 2 choruses TONE: lightly serious READABILITY: grade 2.1

The Unforgiving Servant (R = 4.4) Dec 29, 2011: Unforgiveness can destroy relationships, bodies, and lives. Here's the parable of "The Unforgiving Servant" told in Readers Theater format with a chorus, based on the original parable found in Matthew 18:23-34. This character-building script comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. Suitable for elementary, middle school, high school, adults, and family fun, this Readers Theater script could launch some serious discussions about the concept of forgiveness.

TIME: about 4 1/2 minutes CAST: 5+ TONE: serious with light overtones READABILITY: grade 4.4 (easier, I think)

The Rich Fool (R = 1.5) Aug 20, 2011: What IS a parable? "The Rich Fool," a traditional parable based on Biblical literature (Luke 12:16-21), should launch students of all ages into some lively discussions about parables as well as the multiple meanings of this one.

Although written at a primary level, the drama with choral Readers Theater makes it useful for all elementary grades, middle school and high school--when appropriate. It's even easy enough to use with ESL or special ed students. Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "The Rich Fool" Readers Theater script provides plenty of opportunities for character building.

TIME: about 2 1/2 minutes CAST: 4+ (two choruses) TONE: serious, with smiles READABILITY: grade 1.5

The Good Samaritan (R=3.6) Jan 13, 2011: So, what's better: a short, straight-forward, unique script on "The Good Samaritan" or over a dozen pre-screened curriculum links for grades K-12 on "The Good Samaritan"? In this free Readers Theater script, "The Good Samaritan," you get both a trusted script and trusted curriculum links for lesson plans. Based on Luke 10:30-37 in the Bible, this parable packs a whallop with it's practical applications for today. Make sure you check out the video links. Even your students will be inspired by the 8-year-old hero honored as a Good Samaritan by the Red Cross.

TIME: 2 min. CAST: 6, plus chorus TONE: serious READABILITY: grade 3.6

Persistence Pays Parable--Luke 11:5-9 (R=2.4) Dec 17, 2010: Knock, knock. Who's there? A friend? Someone in need? Both? This short Readers Theater script with curriculum links for lesson plans covers Jesus' parable of the Midnight Visitor found in Luke 11 of the Bible. Because it uses a chorus, "Persistence Pays Parable", can handle almost any number of readers. Because it has a sprinkling of humor, children and adults should both enjoy it. Because it has an open-ending, it can be a launching pad for discussions that build critical thinking skills--especially on the topic of prayer. Make sure you check the curriculum links at the end of the script. You may have your own eyes opened to a fresh understanding based on New Testament culture.

TIME: 2 1/2- 3 min. CAST: 5+ TONE: serious and light READABILITY: Grade 2.4

Epiphany Celebration: Wise Men Worship (R=6.0) Dec 4, 2010: Straight Bible literature (KJV). The story of the wise men or kings. Straightforward. "Epiphany Celebration: Wise Men Worship" could just as easily be entitled "Matthew's Christmas" since it's directly from Matthew 2:1-15 (KJV). This free Christmas Readers Theater script could easily be adapted to any Bible version. Make sure you read the Epiphany ideas and curriculum links for lesson plans at the end of the script!

TIME: about 2 1/4 minutes CAST: 11? TONE: serious READABILITY: Grade 6.0

Make a Joyful Noise! Psalm 100 KJV (R=4.7) Oct 23, 2010: Although to read Psalm 100 all the way through takes less than a minute for one person, this Readers Theater adaptation is served "family style." That means the parts are listed as Dad, Mom, and 4 children. The curriculum links at the end of the script helps make the whole family time come together. Psalm 100 is often used as a Thanksgiving psalm, but you may use it as a launch into a discussion on what IS a "joyful noise"?

TIME: less than 1 minute CAST: 6 TONE: joyful READABILITY: Grade 4.7

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