I have just started adding my plays to TES (over 400)!but this will take time! All my assemblies/class plays and guided reading scripts are on www.plays-r-ussell.com and I am happy to write on request. I have converted the entire History Key Stage II curriculum into play format - and much of the other subjects such as Science, Geography, PSHE etc. I cover events such as the Olympics and have received great feedback from teachers around the world! Writing is my passion - hope you enjoy my work!
I have just started adding my plays to TES (over 400)!but this will take time! All my assemblies/class plays and guided reading scripts are on www.plays-r-ussell.com and I am happy to write on request. I have converted the entire History Key Stage II curriculum into play format - and much of the other subjects such as Science, Geography, PSHE etc. I cover events such as the Olympics and have received great feedback from teachers around the world! Writing is my passion - hope you enjoy my work!
Theseus and the Minotaur Lesson Plan, Guided Reading Script and Quiz
Each 'package' consists of guided reading script (6 speakers) plus lesson plan and quiz/reading comprehension; and accommodates both small group and all class engagement. As explained in the lesson plan, whilst a group of six speakers read the script, the rest of the class (divided into teams) follows in order to answer questions that follow. There are also some ideas for follow up discussion, time permitting.
Lesson Plan (Around 20 - 30 minutes)
The lesson time can be reduced to 20 minutes by e.g. omission of quiz/discussion.
The script takes around 10 minutes reading time.
The quiz takes around 5 – 10 minutes.
This script, along with four others (Odysseus and the Cyclops, The Gorgon's Head, Pandora's Box and The Tale of Two Spinners) is available as one product - The Ancient Greek Myths Guided Reading Scripts. These scripts are also available separately as guided reading scripts, lesson plans and quizzes.
Sample Text:
Pasiphae: This is a tale of two cities.
Aegeus: Athens
Minos: And Crete. It has vile villains
Theseus: A noble hero
Pasiphae: A wronged wife
Minotaur: And a hideous monster.
Minos: It is a tale of deceit
Pasiphae: Of shame
Aegeus: Of murder
Minos: Of revenge
Aegeus: Of sacrifice
Theseus: Of bravery
Ariadne: Of love
Aegeus: Of victory
Theseus: And of terrible tragedy.
Ariadne: So let’s see how this tale unfolds. Starting with the deceit.
Quiz Sample
1. What was the name of the father of Theseus?
2. He was the king of which city?
3. Who was the king of Crete?
4. What was the name of his wife?
5. What was the name of their daughter?
6. What was the name of her half-brother?
7. Who would you say was a ‘vile villain’?
8. Who was the hero?
9. Who was the wronged wife?
Odysseus and the Cyclops lesson plan, guided reading script & quiz
Each 'package' consists of lesson plan plus guided reading script (6 speakers) plus quiz/reading comprehension.
Lesson Plan (Around 20 - 30 minutes)
The lesson time can be reduced to 20 minutes by e.g. omission of quiz/discussion.
The script takes around 10 minutes reading time.
The quiz takes around 5 – 10 minutes.
These resources accommodate both small group and all class engagement. As explained in the lesson plan, whilst a group of six speakers read the script, the rest of the class (divided into teams) follows in order to answer questions that follow. There are also some ideas for follow up discussion, time permitting.
Time allowance is flexible - from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how much of the package is used.
This script, along with four others (Theseus and the Minotaur, The Gorgon's Head, Pandora's Box and The Tale of Two Spinners) is available as one product - The Ancient Greek Myths Guided Reading Scripts
Sample text:
Greek warrior 2
(laughing): Yes, we’ve heard how being a blacksmith was just a little bit too taxing for you! Did being born with only one eye mean you were only born with half a brain?
Cyclops 2: How rude! Though I guess it was a shame we forgot our old blacksmith skills.
Polyphemus: Even though I would never have driven a red-hot stake into the eye of any creature.
Greek warrior 1: Not even one that was holding you captive, and eating 2 men for breakfast and supper, every day?
Odysseus: Real convenience food, we were!
Polyphemus: Well, you did make a welcome change from lamb stew!
Poseidon: Enough! Here I am, trying to defend you, Polyphemus, and all you can do is confirm their story! What are you? Stupid, or something?
Sample Quiz/Reading Comprehension Questions
• What animals did Cyclops look after?
• What trade had Zeus originally trained the Cyclops for?
• How did Polyphemus prevent Odysseus and his men from escaping from his cave?
• Why did the Cyclops not help Polyphemus?
• What did Odysseus use to dull Polyphemus’s senses ..even more?
Time Travelling in Ancient Egypt Guided Reading Scripts or Readers Theater
This is the first of a series of ‘Time Travels’ – based on guided reading scripts which were written as supplementary classroom resources to Class Plays or Assemblies.
Please note: This Time Travel Series only currently consists of the one product - on Ancient Egypt. I am really waiting to see if there is sufficient interest in this product in order to follow with the rest of the series.
A group of Time Travelers has been added along with a few 'tweaks' to the original script (still available along with accompanying quizzes under Guided Reading - Ancient Egyptians Guided Reading Play Scripts.)
Written in play format with 6 speakers to each of 5 ‘plays’ (Total number of speakers – 30)
Each play is around 5 minutes reading time and comes with a quiz at the end
Total time: around 35 – 40 minutes
Unit 10The Ancient Egyptians
Introduction to Ancient Egypt
Guide plus five other Time Travelers – Adam, Mary, Peter, Susan and Phillip
Guide: Well, what do you know? Here we are!
Adam: But where is here?
Guide: (Looking around) Why, here in Ancient Egypt of course!
Play 2 Farmer's Year Speakers: Farmer 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 &6
Farmer 3: Though we did leave a lot behind for those archaeologists! Always digging things up and learning about how we lived.
Farmer 4: Pots and pans, jewelry, weapons, (pause) .. and loo seats! Yes, the first known toilet seat in the world was dug up in the ancient Egyptian city of Akhenaten in 1350 B.C. I don't suppose anyone was still sitting on it!
Play 3 Daily Life Speakers: Mother, Father, Daughter, Son, Teacher, Priest
Son: Yes, they weren't just amazing buildings, for us living persons to stand and admire.
Priest: No indeed. Far more importantly they were designed to send our pharaohs to join the gods in heaven.
Daughter: Wasn't that called the after-life?
Priest: Yes. A world free of low life.
Son: Are you talking about those tomb robbers again?
Priest: Yes. We tried to make things harder for them. And then someone thought of hidden tombs!
Play 4 The After-life Speakers: Chief Priest, Embalmer, Mummy, Anubis, Osiris, Ammut
Chief Priest: Ready to stuff?
Embalmer: Yup! With straw, linen and sweet smelling herbs! Add a little salt
Mummy (muttering): This one obviously thinks he's a celebrity chef!
Chief Priest: No! A little more than just a pinch of salt! This natron needs to cover the body if it's going to dry out over the next 40 days!
Play 5 The Gods Speakers: Amun, Nut, Thoth, Human, Hapi, Seth
Hapi (snorting) Hmph! Hapi by name but not always by nature!
Winter Olympics Quiz 1924 - 2022
Another Winter Olympics resource - to add to my class play and set of guided reading scripts - all updated to 2022 with over 100 questions - with answers provided! Here’s a sample:
Winter Olympics Quiz
I. 2018 Winter Olympics – PyeongChang, South Korea
II. Previous Winter Olympics – Russia 2014
III. A History of the Winter Olympics 1924 – 2014
IV. Memorable Moments from Past Olympics
V. Winners and Record Breakers
Sample Text:
I. 2018 Winter Olympics – PyeongChang, South Korea
1. What animal is the 2018 mascot, Soohorang, based on?
2. What is the connection between the length of the torch and PyeongChang?
3. How many events will there be?
4. How many sports?
5. Can you name four of these?
II. 22nd Winter Olympics – Russia 2014
1. Around how many countries are taking part?
2. How many sports/disciplines are being played?
3. How many events are there?
4. How many more is this than for the last, 2010, Winter Olympics?
5. What are the three animal mascots for 2014?
III. A History of the Winter Olympics 1924 – 2010
1. How often are the Winter Olympics held?
2. When was the first one held?
3. What Games took place before the Winter Olympics?
4. Where were they first held and when?
5. In what country were the first Winter Olympics held?
IV. Memorable Moments from Past Olympics
1. What is the Olympic motto?
2. Who won six perfect sixes in 1984?
3. What music accompanied them?
4. Who came last in both his ski jumping events in 1988 but still managed to steal the hearts of the British public?
5. Who held up the awards ceremony in 1998 for the 10km Cross Country?
V. Winners and Record Breakers
1. Which country won the most medals at the first Winter Olympics?
2. Which country is the top medal scorer to date?
3. How many have they won?
4. Which country is the next highest medal winner to date?
5. How many medals have they won?
Also available:
Winter Olympics Class Play or Assembly
and
Winter Olympics Guided Reading Plays
Set of *5:
1. 22nd Winter Olympics, Russia, 2014
2. A History of the Winter Olympics 1924 – 2014
3. Memorable Moments from Past Olympics
4. Winners and Record Breakers
5. What it takes to be a winner – this is a collection of 5 plays based on P.R.I.D.E. which stands for: POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, RESPECT, INTELLIGENT CHOICES, DREAMS AND GOALS and EFFORT AND EDUCATION
Winter Olympics Class Play or Assembly 2022 – A History of the Winter Olympics from 1924 to 2022
This is one of a collection of Winter Olympic resources which include a set of Guided Reading Scripts, again on the history of the Games; an Ode or Performance Poem, and a quiz – all updated to 2022.
This Winter Olympics 2022 Class Play takes us all the way from the very first Winter Olympics in 1924 to Beijing 2022.
Cast of 30 (plus – a lot of doubling up for this one plus plenty of props!) Duration around 20 minutes not including music suggestions. Packed with fun and information!
Sample Text
Child 25: 1992, France! Germany won most medals this time!
Child 26: 1994, Norway! The first Winter Olympics to be held in a different year from the Summer Olympics, setting the future pattern – the two Games taking place two years apart. Russia won most medals this year.
Child 27: 1998, Japan! First time snowboarding takes place!
(Enter snowboarder, nearly knocking Narrator over with board he’s carrying)
Narrator: Ouch! (Furiously)What is it with you winter athletes? Can’t you watch where you’re going? First time for snowboarding, eh? If I had anything to do with it, I’d make it the last! Now, go!
(Exit snowboarder)
(Sighing) I think I’m just about done! What with being run over by crazy speed skaters and lugers; knocked around by men with big boards…Now if I had my way, we’d just stick to that lovely peaceful figure skating ….
(Enter two figure skating couples, shouting at each other and pushing each other around)
Narrator: Hold it! Hold it! What’s going on here? These cannot be figure skaters, surely?
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Assembly 7-11-year-olds KSII
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Assembly KSII script has been tweaked from Queen’s Diamond Jubilee script reflecting the life of Queen Elizabeth II and her family, achievements etc over 70 years.
Cast of 30
Duration around 20 minutes
This is one of four scripts now available on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The other three are:
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Assembly for 5- 7 year-olds KS I
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee assembly on the years 1952 – 2022 is an adaptation of my History of Rock n Roll assembly. This covers world events but with a musical twist (up to 34 suggested songs!)
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee assembly on the English Monarchy – this being a quick gallop from Alfred to our present queen!
Sample Text
Music 2 National Anthem – God Save Our Queen
(All stand up)
Queen: (To Audience) Do be seated! Ah, how wonderful to be surrounded by my loyal subjects – the same today as seventy years ago!
Narrator: Well, some of us haven’t been around quite that long, no offence, your Majesty! But we are here today to congratulate you on your seventy years as queen!
Queen: Thank you. I have of course celebrated three other jubilees – a silver one in 1977 celebrating twenty-five years, a golden one in 2002 celebrating fifty years; and a diamond one in 2012 celebrating sixty years.
Narrator: And we are delighted to be celebrating your Platinum Jubilee with you today, in 2022!
Queen: Oh the pleasure is all mine! It wouldn’t, after all, be any fun celebrating on one’s own!
Narrator: No, indeed, Ma’am. And we, your loyal subjects, have been busy finding out all about your most gracious self!
Queen: Oh, really? I hope it’s all ‘good’!
Narrator: Most certainly, Ma’am. No need to alarm yourself on our account! Do take a seat – I apologise we couldn’t fit your throne in today!
Queen: (Sitting down) That’s quite alright!
Narrator: So (turning to cast) – take it away, people!
(Each child stands up in turn and delivers information about the queen)
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Assembly for 5 – 7-Year-Olds (Key Stage I)
This script has been tweaked from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee script reflecting the life of Queen Elizabeth II and her family, achievements etc over 70 years.
Cast of 30
Duration around 20 minutes
Sample Text:
Music 2 National Anthem – God Save Our Queen
(All stand up)
Queen: (To Audience) Please be seated! (Sighing) Ah, seventy years on the throne and I’m still adored!
Whole cast: (Exclaiming) Seventy? Are we that old?
(Queen scowls, hands on hips)
Narrator: (Apologetically to Queen) Oh no offence, Your Majesty! What we mean is
Whole cast: Thank you for being our queen for seventy years!
Queen: Oh that’s quite all right! I love jubilees (pauses). Now, let me think. When was the last one?
Child 1: That would be your diamond jubilee in 2012 for sixty years.
Child 2: There was a golden one in 2002. That was for fifty years.
Child 3: And before that, a silver one in 1977. That was for twenty-five years.
This is one of four scripts now available on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The other three are:
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Assembly 7 – 11 year olds (KS II)
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee assembly on the years 1952 – 2022 is an adaptation of my History of Rock n Roll assembly. This covers world events but with a musical twist (up to 34 suggested songs!) KS II
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee assembly on the English Monarchy – this being a quick gallop from Alfred to our present queen! KSII
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Class Play or Assembly on the English Monarchy takes us from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II. With a cast of 30 (easily adapted up or down) and lasting approximately 10 – 15 minutes, it focuses on Queen Elizabeth’s ancestry – a quick gallop through the English monarchy!
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Assembly on the English Monarchy is one of four Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Assemblies now available off the website. The other three are:
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee assembly – about the Queen and her life, family, achievements etc. This is available for KS I and II (separate scripts)
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee assembly on the years 1952 – 2022 – an adaptation of my History of Rock n Roll assembly. This covers world events but with a musical twist (up to 35 suggested songs!)
Cast of 30
Duration: Around 10 minutes not including music.
There is also a complete listing of all our kings and queens.
Sample Text:
Queen: Ah! Thank you so much! One really does appreciate simple creature comforts as one gets older. It’s easy enough to forget that when you’re a queen!
Narrator: I’m sure you’re right!
Queen: Undoubtedly! But I’m not here to lecture you this morning! It is for you and your delightful children to tell me all about my delightful ancestors! (Turning to cast) I believe you have been studying them in history? How fascinating for you!
Narrator: Oh, indeed it has been, ma’am. And we do hope you will also learn a few things that maybe you hadn’t known before about your forbears!
Queen: Ooh! I can’t wait! Such a delightful lot, us royals!
Narrator: (Aside) Oh oh! Something tells me the Queen may have a few shocks in store! I hope she takes it in the right spirit – or I could shortly find myself a little uncomfortable ….in the Tower!
Child 1: This morning we’d like to start with the present royal family – the House of Windsor. There’s (holding up picture of William) William, now happily married to Kate – sorry, Katherine, the Duchess of Cambridge!
Child 2: William is the eldest son of (holds up picture) Charles, the Prince of Wales – now married to Camilla.
Child 3: (Holding up picture) William’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was tragically killed in a road accident in 1997 when William was 15 years old.
Child 4: (Holding up picture) William has a younger brother, Harry.
Child 5: William and Harry have a rather important grandma – the Queen!
Queen: At last! I wondered how long it would take you to get to me!
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee class play or assembly on the years 1952 – 2022 is an adaptation of my History of Rock n Roll assembly. This covers world events but with a musical twist (up to 35 suggested songs!)
This is one of three scripts now available on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The other two are:
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee assembly – about the Queen and her life, family, achievements etc.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee assembly on the English Monarchy – this being a quick gallop from Alfred to our present queen!
Reading time: about 15 minutes. This does not include any music and as the ‘list’ is largely down to teacher discretion, this could vary greatly – from 15 to 60 minutes!
Cast of 30 plus (could easily be doubled!)
Sample Text:
Music 20 God Save the Queen – Sex Pistols
(Queen sits in state of total shock)
(Narrator rushes over to queen and offers her handkerchief to mop her brow)
Queen: Well! I’m not often lost for words but ….
Narrator: (Effusively) I’m so sorry, Your Majesty! I had no idea this punk band were performing here today! Whatever next!
Music 21 Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Narrator: Ah! Queen!
Queen: Pardon?
Narrator: No, that’s the name of the band, Your Majesty!
Queen: What? Named after me? Ah, splendid! (Looks quizzically at Freddie Mercury’s black leather trousers) Mmm. Not quite sure about the trousers …
Music 22 Baggy Trousers – Madness
Queen: Ah! That’s better! Now. How about a few more current events. Where were we? Ah yes! The seventies!
(Enter 1970s children, holding up cards)
Child 1: 1971: Decimal currency is introduced in Britain.
Cast: (Together) Phew! Maths lessons now much easier!
Child 1 (1971 continued): And Soviet Union launches first space station, Salyut 1.
Child 2: 1973: Coal miners strike in Britain. State of emergency and 3 day working week are proclaimed.
Child 3: 1976: Concorde flies!