Recent Articles in Free Scripts Catalog

Talking Pets (R=4.8)
Mar 26, 2014

Our family experienced a nightmare when my body hit “overload” from being exposed to dryer sheets on my mother’s clothes when she came to visit.  Laundry toxins added another toxic load to my body.  It rebelled with serious symptoms of Environmental Illness.  My family wondered if I was dying.  But, that’s another story...

"Talking Pets—Beyond Earth Day" shares a pet’s imaginary perspective of laundry.  This short Readers Theater may be used to help communicate basic truths about toxic laundry to a younger audience OR a pet-loving audience.  It may also be used to launch a discussion or a unit study on toxins in our world.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy Earth Day or environmental lesson plans, "Talking Pets—Beyond Earth Day" is for upper elementary students—possibly middle school or adults.

TIME:  5 1/2 min.     CAST:  6     TONE:  serious, with occasional light spots     READABILITY:  grade 4.8

 

Oh, Give Me a Home in a Book (R = 1.6)
Mar 30, 2013

Poetry?  Song lyrics?  Literacy fun? "Oh, Give Me a Home in a Book" includes all.  Based on the song lyrics to "Home on the Range," this Readers Theater script adaptation will launch your students into a new world of thinking about literacy.  It's perfect for discussions about books, comparing fiction with non-fiction.  Use it to motivate your students to read a book or two over summer break. Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans on "Home on the Range," this one-page primary level script is one of a series of Script Buffet Club member's exclusive scripts.  But, you get it free!

TIME:  less than 1 1/2 min.   CAST:  3 or 3 CHORAL groups    TONE: dreamy    READABILITY:  grade 1.6

St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Radio Show (Middle School) (R = 6.8)
Feb 27, 2013

Flexible.  Informative.  Non-fiction.  "St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Radio Show (Middle School)" allows teachers to use this free Readers Theater script as a full-class choral project or small reading group presentation.  Romp through a short radio show on the basics of St. Patrick, the shamrock, and "Why wear green?"  The more difficult vocabulary and Irish words are listed on the front page.  Complete with curriculum links for easy lesson plans, this is the middle school version of our classic script.  (The other versions have a readability of grade 3.6 or 4.4.)

TIME:  a wee bit less than 5 min.    CAST:  3, or 3 CHORAL groups    TONE:  light, educational     READABILITY: grade 6.8

 

St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Radio Show (Simplified) (R = 3.6)
Feb 27, 2013

Flexible.  Informative.  Non-fiction.  "St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Radio Show (Simplified)" allows teachers to use this free Readers Theater script as a full-class choral project or small reading group presentation.  Romp through a short radio show on the basics of St. Patrick, the shamrock, and "Why wear green?"  The more difficult vocabulary and Irish words are listed on the front page.  Complete with curriculum links for easy lesson plans, this is the easiest version of our classic script.  (The other versions have a readability of grade 4.4 or 6.8.)

TIME:  a wee bit less than 5 min.    CAST:  3, or 3 CHORAL groups    TONE:  light, educational     READABILITY: grade 3.6

 

The Tiny Crooked Crack (R = 4.0)
Sep 29, 2012

Here's a simple story with BIG implications!  If you're studying elections or economics this free Readers Theater script, "The Tiny Crooked Crack," will definitely generate some important discussions.  Written as a parable, "The Tiny Crooked Crack" is versatile with many interpretations and character-building lessons.   Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "The Tiny Crooked Crack" is appropriate for grades 3, 4, 5+.  (Note: We also have an advanced version with at a readability of about grade 5.3)

TIME:  a little over 5 minutes  CAST:  4-6-10+ (optional choruses)   TONE:  serious   READABILITY :  grade 4.0

The Tiny Crooked Crack (Advanced) (R = 5.3)
Sep 28, 2012

Here's a simple story with BIG implications!  If you're studying elections or economics this free Readers Theater script, "The Tiny Crooked Crack," will definitely generate some important discussions.  Written as a parable, "The Tiny Crooked Crack (Advanced)" is versatile with many interpretations and character-building lessons.   Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "The Tiny Crooked Crack" is appropriate for grades 5, 6, 7, 8 or high school students.  (Note: We also have a simpler version with at a readability of about grade 4.)

TIME:  a little over 5 minutes  CAST:  4-6-10+ (optional choruses)   TONE:  serious   READABILITY :  grade 5.3

Moon Talk--from Apollo 11 (Long Version) (R = 5.0)
Jul 23, 2012

Interested in NASA transcripts, adapted for Readers Theater, of the historic conversations from the Moon in July 1969?  In "Moon Talk—from Apollo 11 (Long Version)" you'll find authentic Moon talk from the astronauts themselves, the first men on the Moon.  Although the readability tested fifth grade, there is quite a bit of vocabulary, making this printable script suitable for upper elementary, middle school, high school, and adults.  Complete with 6 pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, this space script may stand alone or be part of a unit study on the solar system.  This is the longest of our series of three "Moon Talk" printable scripts:  Quick = 13 minutes,  Shortened = 19 minutes, Long = about 21 minutes.

TIME:  almost 21 minutes      CAST:  6+ (chorus; 2 speaking parts have a lot fewer lines)  TONE:  scientific, educational, historic      READABILITY:  grade 5.0  (I would put it higher because of the extensive vocabulary.)

Moon Talk--from Apollo 11 (Shortened) (R = 5.1)
Jul 21, 2012

Historic NASA transcripts.  Real talk from the Moon...and President Nixon TO the Moon.  Mission Control chorus.  Vocabulary on the front page.  This free printable Readers Theater science script, "Moon Talk--from Apollo 11 (Shortened)", has it all for grades 4, 5, 6 and up.  How is it shortened?  This version leaves out the conversations with fellow astronaut Michael Collins as he orbits the Moon waiting to pick up his friends.  It is LONGER than our Quick Version by about 6 minutes because it includes astronaut Buzz Aldrin calling for a moment of silent thanksgiving from the Moon, as well as the challenges Aldrin and Neil Armstrong had in trying to maneuver their space suits OUT of the Lunar Module and onto the Moon (e.g., "Roll left"...). 

Complete with 6 pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans this historically accurate science script integrates curriculum into one lovely learning launch with Readers Theater.

TIME:  19 minutes      CAST:  5+(inlcudes chorus and 2 sections from President Nixon)   TONE:  historically educational    READABILITY:  grade 5.1  (NOTE:  This script is a little easier than our Quick Version because of the funny conversation the astronauts had trying to exit the Lunar Module.)

Moon Talk--from Apollo 11 (Quick Version) (R = 5.8)
Jul 17, 2012

What did the astronauts SAY when they were on the Moon?  Direct from NASA's historic transcriptions here's the free printable Readers Theater script  that will launch your class to the Moon:  "Moon Talk--from Apollo 11 (Quick Version)."  Because they talked a LOT while on the Moon we have three versions of the script;  this is the shortest, but it's still about 13 minutes long. 

Complete with 6 pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, this space science Readers Theater script is adaptable for small group or whole class participation (optional chorus with Mission Control).  You could also assign buddy readers for the 2 astronauts and the narrator parts.  Historically accurate and extensively researched, "Moon Talk--Apollo 11 (Quick Version)" is perfect for upper elementary or middle school classes.

TIME:  13 minutes     CAST:  5+     TONE:  historic, educational, scientific       READABILITY:  grade 5.8  (check vocabulary list on the front page)

Shad Rhythm and Cheer (R = 1.0)
May 15, 2012

Here's a stand-alone excerpt from our 3-part free Readers Theater script series "Students Save Shad."  This rap-like rhythm and cheer complement our primary level script "Kids Save Shad"--the two may be used together.  "Shad Rhythm and Cheer", a Choral Readers Theater, briefly covers the environmental story about saving the American shad fish as told in the book, Let the River Run Silver Again by Sandy Burk.  Complete with extensive annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans and unit studies, this primary level script (grades 1, 2, 3) is perfect to slip in to a study of fish or the environment.  Use it as part of program for extra fun.

TIME: 1 minute        CAST: 3+ (choral)      TONE:  light, educational        READABILITY:  grade 1.0

Kids Save Shad! (R = 1)
May 10, 2012

Environmental science for primary students?  Why not?  "Kids Save Shad!"--a choral readers theater--is a shorter simplified version of our three part series "Students Save Shad!" (for older students).  This science script is complete in one script, but is still based on the non-fiction book Let the River Run Silver Again.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans and unit studies, "Kids Save Shad," is great for primary level readers.  Although this is a simplified version of the story, it still appeals to ESL and struggling students because it's true.  It shows how regular kids can make a difference.

TIME:  3 minutes    CAST:  3-4+ (3-4 choruses)     TONE:  educational, light   READABILITY:  grade 1.0  (The part of the Experts has the hardest part--probably closer to grade 2.)

Students Save Shad! (Part III) (R = 4.2)
May 7, 2012

Based on a true science story from the book Let the River Run Silver Again by Sandy Burk and trustworthy online resources, this 3-part environmental script series shares how students helped save the American shad (fish).  Hosted by student TV journalists, our free "Students Save Shad!" Readers Theater script integrates curriculum across subject lines in a memorable experience.  Complete with curriculum links for easy lesson plans and further research, this inspiring story will motivate elementary and middle school students to take action and make a difference.

TIME:  almost 9 mins.    CAST: 10-12+    TONE:  educational, light    READABILITY:  grade 4.2 (grade 3.8 without the words "announcer" or  "narrator")