Recent Articles in Biography Scripts, Readability 3 - 5

Kit Carson: Mountain Man and Guide (Part II) (R = 5.0)
Jun 20, 2011

"Kit Carson:  Mountain Man and Guide (Part II)"  continues Carson's own story as dictated to others in his book, Kit Carson's Own Story of His Life (published in 1926).  This short Readers Theater script introduces the well-known explorer of the West, Col. Fremont.  Rather than a dry retelling of history, this script shows a short revealing incident Carson and Col. Fremont experienced with "Indians." 

Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Kit Carson:  Mountain Man and Guide (Part II)" should fit any unit study on the West or Mountain Men.  (Make sure you do Part I first.) 

TIME: about 2 1/2 min.  CAST: 4+  TONE:  serious  READABILITY:  grade 5.0 (Indian words used three times...)

Luis Walter Alvarez: Famous Scientist (R = 3.6)
May 25, 2011

Who is Luis Walter Alvarez?  He's the 1968 Nobel Prize winner in Physics.  Son of a Spanish dad and an Irish mom, Luis loved to learn--especially science.  This biographical Readers Theater script with annotated curriculum links (some on science lessons) looks briefly at Luis Alvarez's life.  The man is a bit controversial because he was recruited to work on the atom bomb.  He figured there would be less life lost with the bomb than with World War II if it continued.  The bomb and his work on it are not mentioned in this sometimes exciting script, but you could easily foster some stimulating discussions with the information.  (Note:  Luis never claimed to be a famous Hispanic.)

TIME:  about 3 1/2 minutes  CAST: 4+ (chorus)  TONE:  serious  READABILITY:  grade 3.6

Kit Carson: Mountain Man (Part I) (R = 4.4)
May 9, 2011

First in our Mountain Man series, "Kit Carson: Mountain Man (Part I)" is based on an adventure story Kit dictated in 1856-57 in his book, Kit Carson's Own Story of His Life.  Many of Kit's words in this Readers Theater or puppet script are from the book he dictated.  (Kit was considered illiterate--not because he was stupid, but because he didn't get much education.)  Students, teachers, parents, and even families should enjoy this exciting script right from the pages of American history (e.g., Westward Movement). You and your students will LOVE the extensive annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans!  Although this is a biographical script, there are science links related to the nature Kit encountered (e.g., Rocky Mountain webcams...).

BONUS:  You'll even meet Brutus in some of the links--someone you and your students will NEVER forget!  :) 

TIME:  about 4 1/2 minutes   CAST:  3+     TONE:  varies--serious, light, and EXCITING!   READABILITY:  grade 4.4
(NOTE:  AN EASY VERSION is also available for readability of grade 2.6)

Presidents' Day Quiz Parade (R = 3.7+)
Feb 17, 2011

So, how do you cover content and have a great time with your class?  Our Readers Theater script "Presidents' Day Quiz Parade" (with trustworthy curriculum links for easy lesson plans) provides a game show/parade format that engages an audience of nearly any age. Taking 12 "characters" from the lives of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, this exclusive script works well for Presidents' Day or patriotic programs. "Presidents' Day Quiz Parade" comes in four versions:  this original one, "Presidents' Day Quiz Parade," plus a simplified, an advanced, and a middle school version.  Combine them for multi-level readers.  Your students and audience will love the hand signals! 

TIME: 10 1/2 min.  CAST:  2-13  TONE:  upbeat  READABILITY:  3.7+

Abraham Lincoln: It's Lincoln Penny Day! (Group Participation and Short Versions) (R = 5.2 with easier parts)
Feb 13, 2011

"Abraham Lincoln:  It's Lincoln Penny Day!" provides an entertaining avenue for studying Abraham Lincoln, based on historical documents.  Suitable for President's Day celebrations or patriotic programs this free Readers Theater script comes in two versions:  one for group/audience participation and one shorter version.  Although there are two versions of this free Readers Theater script, the extensive curriculum links for easy lesson plans are the same for both.  How would your students like to have a "Lincoln Penny Day"?  It's easy since the curriculum links cover many grade levels and even include science experiments! Warning:  You should have a supply of Lincoln pennies ready or have the students bring their own.  In fact, if you perform this for a younger class you could give the audience each a Lincoln penny! 

TIME: 4-6 min.  CAST: 6-12+  TONE:  upbeat  READABILITY: 5.2--But, many parts are suitable for third grade level readers.

Harriet Tubman, Alias Moses: The Swamp Mystery (R = 4.2)
Jan 13, 2011

Would your students enjoy getting to know a heroine from Black History?  "Harriet Tubman, Alias Moses:  The Swamp Mystery" is #2 in our true-to-life Readers Theater scripts from the original biography of Harriet Tubman by Sarah Bradford (1869).  Harriet Tubman told Mrs. Bradford the story of her life, including some of her adventures as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. 

Join an adventurous trip with Harriet Tubman and some escaped slaves--including twin babies--in this exclusive member's only Readers Theater script with curriculum links for lesson plans. 

TIME:  about 5 min.  CAST:  5-7+    TONE:  serious and reflective   READABILITY:  4.2

Underground Railroad Codes (R=6.3, think easier)
Dec 10, 2010

"Underground Railroad Codes," a free Black History Readers Theater script, includes a bit about Harriet Tubman's life in addition to several code words from the Underground Railroad.  Harriet Tubman's code name was "Moses" and the curriculum links at the end of this script usually include part of her story and photographs.  Although this script has a lot of narration, it is broken up with the addition of a chorus. 

TIME:  3 min.   CAST: 8+   TONE:  serious   READABILITY: Grade 6.3 (multi-syllabic words)

Harriet Tubman, Alias Moses: Joe's Journey (R = 4.2)
Nov 10, 2010

Would your students enjoy meeting a heroine from Black History?  "Harriet Tubman, Alias Moses:  Joe's Journey" is a true-to-life Readers Theater script from the original biography of Harriet Tubman by Sarah Bradford (1869).  Harriet Tubman told Mrs. Bradford the story of her life, including some of her adventures as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.   Harriet had a strong faith in God and this script is true to her story.  Join an adventurous trip with Harriet Tubman and some escaped slaves--including Joe--in this free Readers Theater script with curriculum links for lesson plans. 

 

TIME:  about 9 1/2 minutes  CAST:  8-12  TONE:  somber with joy   READABILITY:  grade 4.2

 

The Betsy Ross Story (R=5.2)
Jul 24, 2010

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.)