Recent Articles in Literature Scripts, Grades 6-8

Amos Root's Eyewitness Account of the Wright Brothers' Flight (R = 6.5)
Sep 20, 2011

First published eyewitness account.  Historical perspective.  Expansive vocabulary.  "Amos Root's Eyewitness Account of the Wright Brothers' Flight" Readers Theater script pulls it all together creatively.  Complete with a short vocabulary list and three pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, this script is perfect for better readers (e.g., grades 4-5, middle school, high school and adults) and MULTI-LEVEL Readers Theater.

TIME: 11 1/2 minutes   CAST: 5+ (includes a chorus)    TONE: serious, engaging    READABILITY: grade 6.5  (Amos uses longer sentences and several multi-syllabic words.  Some parts are easier.)

Never, Never, Never Forget 9/11 (R = 6.2)
Sep 6, 2011

"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)

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

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)

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

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

The Little Red Rooster, Master Chef (R=4.7)
Jan 8, 2011

Do your kids like spaghetti?   Everyone likes Sparkling Special Spaghetti in the humorous Readers Theater script, "The Little Red Rooster, Master Chef".  Chef Raymond cooks up a witty take-off from the familiar tale "The Little Red Hen."  Goose, Peacock, and the athletic Emu ooze personality in this clever Readers Theater script with curriculum links for lesson plans.  Although some students will think this is silly fun, we know the positive twist packs a lesson in character building.  Who knows?  Maybe you'll inspire a student's heart to serve? 

TIME:  abaout 5 1/2 min.  CAST:  5, plus chorus  TONE:  light-hearted with a practical punch   READABILITY: Grade 4.7

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

Not the Night Before Christmas (R=4.2/3.8)
Dec 3, 2010

"Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house
Ev'ry creature was stirring, especially the mouse!"

So starts this rollicking rendition of the old poem "The Night Before Christmas."  Your family will enjoy this free Christmas Readers Theater script full of fun.  All you'll need is a plate of cookies to keep the party going.  How about trying different voices?  Curriculum links help to expand "Not the Night Before Christmas" to full lesson plan potential.

TIME:  3 1/2 minutes  CAST: 2-6  TONE:  Light, even without Santa   READABILITY: Grade 4.2/3.8

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

 

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

Give Thanks to the Lord: From Psalm 136 (R = 2.0, 4.8)
Oct 20, 2010

Straight Scripture.  Divided for devotions.  Nothing funny.  Nothing elaborate. Simply thankfulness.  Written for a family with 4 children, the parts could be switched out many ways.  One teacher adapted it for a School Program.  We have her version online as a download, too.  The curriculum links at the end of Carol's script should help reinforce the words of this popular Psalm. 

TIME: about 1 1/2 minutes  CAST: 6+  TONE:  serious and thankful   READABILITY: Grade 2.0, 4.8 (Maxine's adapted version)