I taught for 33 years and I have my MST in the teaching of Social Studies. In 1988, I was awarded the Elementary Social Studies Classroom Teacher of the Year Award from both the New York State Council for the Social Studies and the National Council for the Social Studies. My shop contains mostly social studies materials including web quests, and reader's theater scripts on famous people in history, science and literature.
I taught for 33 years and I have my MST in the teaching of Social Studies. In 1988, I was awarded the Elementary Social Studies Classroom Teacher of the Year Award from both the New York State Council for the Social Studies and the National Council for the Social Studies. My shop contains mostly social studies materials including web quests, and reader's theater scripts on famous people in history, science and literature.
Part of my Series: Interesting Stories about Presidents, students will learn about Calvin Coolidge and his many animals. Some nicknamed the White House , “Pennsylvania Avenue Zoo”. Additionally, students will learn interesting facts about the 30th President of the United States. The reading passage also include a Did You You? Fun facts and comprehension questions.
Check out my other Interesting Stories about Presidents:
George Washington and the Camel:
Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese:
John Quincy Adams Goes for A Swim:
Part of my Series: Interesting Stories about Presidents, students will learn about John Quincy Adams and his regular exercise routine, swimming in the Potomac River. Additionally, students will learn interesting facts about the Sixth President of the United States. The reading passage also include a Did You You? Fun facts and comprehension questions.
Check out my other Interesting Stories about Presidents:
George Washington and the Camel:
Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese:
Learn about the history of the famous games which began in ancient Greece, both past and present with this informative webquest. There are 15 questions as well a number of fun facts.Extension activities are also included(and the key).The webquest can be completed in one class period and is geared for upper elementary and middle school students.Can be used before a vacation, for a Friday activity or if you are studying the ancient Greeks. Updated for Paris 2024 Games.
The famous games started in the country of Greece. Use this nine question web quest to learn about the country of Greece. Learn about Greece, a Webquest.
I also have several resources on China( including a unit of study, a webquest and a reading passage/activity on the Great Wall of China.
On December 29, 1787, George Washington had a very special surprise for guests at Mount Vernon. A Camel came for a visit! This reading passage shares information on customs and traditions of the holiday season during Colonial times and the visit of the camel. Additionally, there is a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions, a map skill activity and the teacher page with several links of interest.
Part of my new series: Unusual Stories about Presidents!
Check out Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese!
Another resource that may be of interest:
Learn about Martha Washington with this informative Reader”s Theater Script:
This resource is part of my series, “Let’s Meet…” famous people in ancient history.
With this biographical reading passage, students will learn about Julius Caesar, Famous Leader of Ancient Rome and One of the Greatest Military Leaders in History.
There is a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extensions and links.
My Let’s Meet… series is growing. Currently, I also have the following in the series:
Hatshepsut, Ramses, Socrates, Hammurabi, Aesop and Hannibal, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Archimedes and more
Use these pranks to introduce a discussion on FAKE NEWS. You may also find my resource on FAKE NEWS of interest to use in addition to this resource. Additionally, I have a resource on APRIL FOOL’S DAY which includes a reading, fun facts and activities.
Part of my Ms.Bie Ografee Talk Show series of Reader’s Theater Scripts, the guest is Louisa May Alcott. A “studio” audience asks Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest questions about her life and accomplishments. There are 11 audience questioners, a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key.
Other Reader’s Theater Scripts on famous people in Literature:
You may also be interested in my biographical play on **Hans Christian Andersen.
This reader’s theater play introduces kids to fairy tale writer,Hans Christian Andersen. His story, The Ugly Duckling, some say was actually about him. Great activity for Anti-Bullying Month in October to go along with reading of this fairytale. Comprehension questions, discussion questions, extension activities and resources are included. Hans Christian Andersen, A Reader’s Theater Script (To Tell the Truth Play)
2.This fun/informative play uses the format of William Shakespeare, being a guest on a talk show. A studio audience asks questions to learn about his life. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series. Also includes: Comprehension/Did You Know?section, LOTS of extension activities/links/key.
William Shakespeare, A Reader’s Theater Script
Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, students will be introduced to the life of** Charles Dickens,** one of the most famous writers of all time. There are 11 questioners in the play as well as a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key:
4. Edgar Allan Poe: An American short story writer and poet, Poe, is remembered for such stories as Murder in the Rue Morgue ,The Tell Tale Heart and The Fall of the House of Usher. Poe’s poem, The Raven, is considered the most famous poem in American history! Edgar Allan Poe is considered to be one of the first science fiction writers and first writer of the modern detective story. Use this Reader’s Theater Script to introduce students to this famous American Writer.Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, there are 8 Audience Questioners who ask questions of Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest, Edgar Allan Poe. There is a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions and a Teacher Page with extension activities and the key.
5.
Other Topics of Interest:
Louisa May Alcott was a Suffragette. Read about the efforts of suffragettes to get the right to vote for women. Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, two women who wanted to promote awareness for women’s suffrage, (the right to vote) decided to go on a cross country road trip. Back in 1916, this wasn’t as simple as it would be today. There were few paved roads, no interstate highway system. (1916)
Reader’s Theater Script on the life of Susan B. Anthony.
Want a student version only, just send along a note and I will sent it along. I am in the process of adding a student version to my different resources. Gail
WORLD LANDMARKS:
A BUNDLE OF RESOURCES
Includes:
Eiffel Tower Reading Passage/Comp. Questions/ extension activities
Taj Mahal Reading Reading Passage/Comp. Questions/extension activities
Great Wall of China Reading Passage/Comp. Questions/ extension activities
Uluru(Ayers Rock) Reading Passage/ Comp. Questions/extension Activities
World Landmark A Webquest(13 webquestions/ Comp. Questions/ extension Activities
US Landmarks, A Webquest (12 webquestions/Comp. Questions/ extension Activities
Studying Ancient Rome? Want to have your students have a reading in the content area of Social Studies? Looking for a resource to use with a substitute or on a Friday? Have students learn about, Gaius Apuleius Diocles (@104 AD-@146 AD), with this reading passage activity. Diocles was one of the most famous charioteers of all times. The reading includes information about the famous Circus Maximum, Did You Know? fun facts, comprehension questions, a map activity and a teacher page with links and several extension activities.
Other resources on Ancient Rome and Italy:
Ancient Rome(a unit with notes/ activities)
Italy: A Webquest:
3.Ancient Roman Secret Message
An English primatologist, Jane Goodall, has helped to change the attitudes people had toward animals, specifically the chimpanzee. Her method of studying chimpanzees involved living amongst them, for over 55 years. She is also known as an anthropologist, humanitarian and writer. She has worked for better treatment of animals in zoos and protection of the habitat of animals in the wild.
Students will have fun learning about the life of Jane Goodall with my Reader’s Theater Script. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, a “studio audience” asks questions of Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest, Jane Goodall. In addition to the host and guest, there are 10 audience questioners. There are several DiD You Know? facts, comprehension questions, a map activity as well as a Teacher Page with additional extension activities and the keys.
Other Resources of Interest:
Rachel Carson (Reader’s Theater Script):
Jacques Cousteau:(Reader’s Theater Script)
This bundle on Women Suffrage topics includes:
Reader’s Theater Script on Susan B. Anthony
Reader’s Theater Script on Nell Richardson and Alice Burke who in 1916 did a cross country trip to promote women’s suffrage. Go on a ride through history to learn about the Golden Flyer.
The Silent Sentinels: A Reading Passage/ Activities on the brave women who worked to get women’s suffrage and what they endured.
In January 9, 1917, a group of suffragettes, called the National Woman’s Party, led by Alice Paul, went to the White House to see President Woodrow Wilson. They hoped to get the president’s support for woman to have the right to vote. Unfortunately, he refused to support women’s suffrage. He believed it was a state issue and not a federal one. The next day, January 10, 1917, the group decided to protest, standing outside 12 different sections around the White House. The women felt that the President would be forced to see them any time he left or returned to the White House. Rain or shine, warm or frigid temperatures, the women silently stood, holding banners and signs. Some of the women got frost bite. Holding banners for hours caused arms to ache.The woman got the nickname “Silent Sentinels”.
This reading shares with students how women persisted in their quest to get the right to vote. It certainly wasn’t easy! They were met with much resistance and were even jailed.
The reading passage includes comprehension questions and extension activities.
Great for study on women suffrage and especially in 2020 for the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment.
Possible Additional Resources of Interest on this topic:
Reader’s Theater Script on Susan B. Anthony. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series.
Webquest on Famous Women in History:
TEN Reading Passages on famous Women in History:
4.TEN Reader’s Theater Scripts on famous Women in History:
The Road to Women’s Suffrage: The CrossCountry Road Trip of Nell Richardson and Alice Burke:
Before television, cell phones, internet and social media, it wasn’t easy to get the word out across the country on an issue. Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, two women who wanted to promote awareness for women’s suffrage, (the right to vote) decided to go on a cross country road trip. Back in 1916, this wasn’t as simple as it would be today. There were few paved roads, no interstate highway system. There weren’t many gas stations, nor was there GPS to navigate. Nell and Alice traveled to 36 states and traveled 10,700 miles from New York to California and back. This Ms. Bie Ografee play will entertain and inform students about the efforts of women to get the right to vote. Comprehension questions, a Did You Know? section, extension activities and the key are also included in this Reader’s Theater Script.
Possible Additional Resources of Interest on this topic:
Reader’s Theater Script on Susan B. Anthony. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series.
Webquest on Famous Women in History
TEN Reading Passages on famous Women in History:
TEN Reader’s Theater Scripts on famous Women in History:
Reading: The Silent Sentinels: h
COUNTRIES IN FOCUS:
A BUNDLE OF RESOURCES ON COUNTRIES OF THE WORLDWEBQUESTS
RUSSIA
SWITZERLAND
CHINA
ICELAND
GREECE
ITALY
INDIA
BRAZIL
AUSTRALIA
IRELAND
Introduce young people to these 10 countries of the world with these different webquest. Additionally extension activities, links and the key are included. Use as part of a unit of study or as a Friday activity to foster world geography.
Students will learn about the history of the sport of “football”, (only the USA and some say Canada, use the term, soccer) and the famous games held every four years.
Great for a Friday activity to show kids that everything has a history, even sports!
Includes 11 web questions, a map skill activity on the 2022 Host Country of Qatar, A Did You Know? Section, Comprehension. Questions, a Teacher page with several extension activities and the key.
Scientist, astronomer, physicist and mathematician, Galileo is considered the "father of modern science”. That title was first given to Galileo by another famous scientist named Albert Einstein. This Reader’s Theater Script is part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series. Audience questioners ask guest, Galileo, all about his life. Additionally, there are comprehension questions and a Did You Know? fun facts. A teacher page has extension activities and the key.
Resources of Interest on this Topic:(Renaisssance and other Scientists)
Renaissance(Webquest):
Michelangelo (Reader’s Theater Script:
Da Vinci (Reader’s Theater Script):
Sir Isaac Newton (Reader’s Theater Script):
Albert Einstein (Reader’s Theater Script):
6. Marie Curie (Reader’s Theater Script):
7. Katherine Johnson (Reader’s Theater Script):
8. Rachel Carson (Reader’s Theater Script):
9. Caroline Herschel (Reading Passage/Activity):
10. Sophie Brahe (Reading Passage/Activity):
After 76 days, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, the astronauts for the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon, made history on July 20, 1969. After the Columbia reached the moon’s orbit, Armstrong and Aldrin went into a smaller module, the Eagle. They began a descent onto the surface of the moon and successfully landed on the moon where both men would become the first humans to actually walk on the moon. The date was July 21, 1969!
Just think, from the first powered flight in 1903, it was just 66 years before we had humans walk on the moon!
In 2019, it will be the 50th anniversary of this remarkable achievement!
Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins are guests of Ms. Bie Ografee and her studio audience ask the guests questions about their historic trip to the moon. In addition to the play, with 10 audience questioners, there are Did You Know Fun Facts, comprehension questions, a teacher page with extension activities and the key to the comprehension questions.
Check out these additional resources:
Learn about the history of space with this informative web quest.
There are 12 web questions, comprehension questions and extension activities: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/space-the-final-frontier-an-internet-activity-11941871
Learn about Astronaut John Glenn’s historic flight to become the first American to Orbit the Earth. Years later, he would also become the oldest American to go on the Space Shuttle! This biographical web quest also contains several questions about the early days of space exploration. There are several extension activities and the key: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/astronaut-john-glenn-a-webquest-internet-search-activity-11453536
Students will learn about Wilbur and Orville Wright with this Reader’s Theater Script. These two men helped to change the world with their controlled flight in a self-powered flying machine. Today, both Wilbur and Orville Wright are considered the “main fathers of modern aviation.” It is amazing to think that from the first successful airplane flights to man walking on the moon was just 66 years!
Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, Wilbur and Orville are guests of Ms. Bie Ografee and her studio audience ask the guests questions about their lives. In addition to the play, with 12 audience questioners, there are Did You Know Fun Facts, comprehension questions, a teacher page with extension activities and the key to the comprehension questions.
Check out these additional resources on Aviation History:
Wright Brothers, A Webquest.
Did you know that people actually thought that the airplane would have not real purpose? This informative web quest will help students learn about the Wright Brothers and their first flight. Extension activities as well as additional links for information are also provided as is the key: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/the-wright-brothers-and-the-airplane-webquest-extension-activities-11149801
Try this fun and informative play based on the To Tell the Truth Game Show. Students in grades 4-up will have fun acting out their parts and learning interesting facts about Amelia Earhart. Comprehension/discussion questions/ extension activities and links, too: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/amelia-earhart-a-reader-s-theater-script-11148766
Use this informative Reader’s Theater Script to learn about Bessie Coleman. Bessie was the first African American female pilot in the U.S. A. AND the first AMERICAN to receive an international pilot’s license! Comprehension questions/extension activities, key. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/bessie-coleman-aviator-a-reader-s-theater-script-11148760
Aida de Acosta did something really amazing in 1903. She became the very first woman to fly a powered aircraft all by herself. In fact, Aida, piloted the dirigible six months before the Wright Brothers would make their historic flight. Even more amazing, she kept what she had done a secret for almost thirty years!
This reading passage includes Did You Know? fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/women-trailblazers-aida-de-acosta-first-woman-to-pilot-a-powered-aircraft-11855466
Learn about the Tuskegee Airmen with this play. The format is a Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series where the studio audience asks questions of Charles A. Anderson, one of the Tuskegee Airman. Audience members ask questions of the guest.
Included are Did You Know? facts, comprehension questions, a teacher page with extension activities, links and the key:
FAKE NEWS! We hear this phrase almost every day. Teaching Digital Critical Literacy is more and more important. Use this freebie , an interactive notebook activity to open a discussion on techniques to determine whether a story students read or hear is real or fake.
This is part of my resource on FAKE NEWS, Developing Digital Critical Literacy with Kids(INA): Click here to learn more: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/fake-news-developing-digital-critical-literacy-with-kids-possible-interactive-notebook-activity-11806581
Additionally, my resource on the history of April Fool’s Day has LOTS of materials which could also be used to develop digital literacy with your students: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/april-fools-day-reading-passage-and-more-11809047