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Gail Hennessey's Teacher Emporium

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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.

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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.
Dolly Madison: A Reader's Theater Script
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Dolly Madison: A Reader's Theater Script

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Learn about the contributions of our first ladies!Great for May 16th Biography Day! Need a quick Friday(or before a vacation activity)? Want to practice oral reading fluency in Language Arts?Try this fun/information Dolly Madison play. Grades 4 and up. Comprehension questions,discussion questions,activities as well as links for more information included. I have lots of other plays on famous people in history…
What is this Word Called Impeachment?(An Internet Activity)
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What is this Word Called Impeachment?(An Internet Activity)

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What exactly is impeachment? In U.S. History, only three presidents have been impeached. Those presidents were Andrew Johnson , Bill Clinton and Donald Trump(impeached twice) None were convicted during a trial and finished out their terms of office. President, Richard Nixon, was going to be impeached but he resigned, pressured by members of his own Republican party, before he was impeached. Use this webquest to introduce students to the issue of impeachment, how the founding fathers determined the use of impeachment in the U.S. Constitution and the history of impeachment. There are 11 web questions on this topic(including the Order of Succession and the Checks and Balances between the three branches of government). There is also a short Did You Know? section and several comprehension questions. The Teacher Page includes the key and several extension activities,
Hillary Clinton: A Reader's Theater Script
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Hillary Clinton: A Reader's Theater Script

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No matter your political leanings with the upcoming Presidential election, Hillary Clinton has made history becoming the first woman ever to lead the presidential ticket of a major political party(the Democratic Party). Check out this Reader’s Script on Hillary Clinton where kids learn about Hillary’s childhood and career to the present. TRIVIA: Hillary wanted to be an astronaut and at the age of 14 wrote a letter to NASA. She was very disappointed to learn that girls could NOT be admitted to the astronaut program(that would change in 1978).Grades 4 and up. Comprehension questions,discussion questions and activities as well as links for more information are also included: 6/8/16- I uploaded a revised version on this play to include Hillary Clinton making history by becoming the first woman ever to lead the presidential ticket of a major political party(the Democratic Party).
Mary Todd Lincoln
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Mary Todd Lincoln

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Teaching American History and want to introduce your students to First Ladies of the United States? Try this fun and information play based on the Mark Goodson Production To Tell the Truth Game Show on Mary Todd Lincoln. To Tell the Truth was a popular television show which has returned with host Anthony Anderson(of Blackish). Three guests all claim to be the real guest being interviewed by a panel. The real guest must tell the truth where the other impostors do not have to do so. Kids must be “truth detectives” to determine just who is the REAL Mary Todd Lincoln. Students in grades 4 and up will have fun acting out their parts and learning some interesting facts about First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Discussion questions,comprehension questions and activities are also included.
Calvin Coolidge and the "Pennsylvania Avenue Zoo". A Reading Activity
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Calvin Coolidge and the "Pennsylvania Avenue Zoo". A Reading Activity

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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:
Bookmark Bios(Women in Modern History: 1700s to present)
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Bookmark Bios(Women in Modern History: 1700s to present)

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Bookmark Bios By Gail Skroback Hennessey Recently, while watching the morning news, two of the hosts couldn’t name the famous woman, from Rochester, NY, who helped women get the right to vote! One said, I think her name was Susan “something”. That got me thinking that Bookmark Bios might be a great way to introduce young people to many(not all) the famous women and men in history, STEM and Literature! Giving the Bookmark Bios, could be a weekly activity, perhaps as a handout for an interactive notebook, after a testing period, or as a “bell ringer” before your class instruction begins. You could print the Bookmark Bios on cardstock or colored paper, cut them out and you might consider laminating them for a more durable handout. Additionally, the included Bookmark Bio Cards might be helpful to have the students do some critical thinking! I have also included a blank template should you wish to use the idea as a research activity where students develop their own Bookmark Bios! **Included: **20 Bookmark Bios on 5 sheets of 4 bookmarks on a page and the Bookmark Bio Card(with two on a page). You have permission to reproduce a class amount of the bookmarks and cards . Women in Modern Times(History, STEM, Literature) First in the series and offered now. Women in Ancient Times( History, STEM, Literature). Men in Modern Times(History, STEM, Literature) Men in Ancient Times(History, STEM,Literature) Included in Women in Modern Times(1700s on): Susan B. Anthony Harriet Tubman Rosa Parks Sacagawea Amelia Earhart Clara Barton Nellie Bly Rachel Carson Margaret Mead Marie Curie Elizabeth Blackwell Jane Goodall Sandra Day O’Connor Sally Ride Dorothea Dix Eleanor Roosevelt Hillary Clinton Mother Teresa Florence Nightingale Helen Keller
Edith Wilson: First Lady
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Edith Wilson: First Lady

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Check out this fun/informative Reader’s Theater Script on First Lady Edith Wilson. When her husband became ill, some say Edith did many of the responsibilities of the Presidency. Called the Acting First Man, Secret President and Presidentress of the United States, learn about this first lady with this Reader’s Theaters Script. The play uses the format of To Tell the Truth, a popular television show which has returned with host Anthony Anderson(of Blackish). Three guests all claim to be the real guest being interviewed by a panel. The real guest must tell the truth where the other impostors do not have to do so. Kids must be “truth detectives” to determine just who is the REAL Edith Wilson.
Abigail Adams: A Reader's Theater Script
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Abigail Adams: A Reader's Theater Script

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Learn about the contributions of our first ladies!Great for May 16th Biography Day! Need a quick Friday(or day before a vacation activity)? Wish to to practice oral reading fluency in LA?Try this fun and information reader's theater play on Abigail Adams. Grades 4 and up. Comprehension questions,discussion questions,activities as well as links for more information are also included.
France, A Webquest!
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France, A Webquest!

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Looking for something for the upcoming 2024 Paris Games? Check out this webquest on the country of France. From famous landmarks, to famous people, to contributions of the French to the world, this 14 question webquest gives a great introduction to the country. It is packed with lots of interesting facts! There are 10 Did You Know fun Facts, 5 comprehension questions and a Teacher page with extension activities and the key. Additionally there is a map skill activity. Could be used as a Friday activity, before a vacation or for a substitute resource. You could also give it to your students for a “summer” activity to keep the learning going!
Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter ( A Reading Activity)
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Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter ( A Reading Activity)

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Mary Anning (1799-1847) was a famous fossil hunter. Some people gave her the title, “The Greatest Fossilist the World has ever Known.” Back in her time, the study of paleontology didn’t yet exist. Some people also call Mary, one of the very first paleontologists! Part of my Let’s Meet… Series, there is a reading passage, a Did You Know? Section, a map activity, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities and key. I have a number of similar reading passages on famous people in this series, “Let’s Meet…” including: Caroline Herschel(Astronomer) Hildegard of Bingen(writer/composer) Artemisia(Female Naval Commander during the Battle of Salamis) Sophie Brahe(Astronomer) Enheduanna(first known Poet) Hanno(Sea Explorer of the Phoenicians) Agnodice(First Female Doctor of Ancient Greece) Hypatia(First female mathematician) Aglaonike(astronomer), Alexander the Great(famous general) Aesop(Fable Writer of Ancient Greece) Hannibal(famous general) Ramses(Great Pharaoh) Hatshepsut(Female Pharaoh) Socrates(Philosopher of Ancient Greece).
Let's Learn about ALASKA!(Webquest/Extension Activities)
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Let's Learn about ALASKA!(Webquest/Extension Activities)

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Want to introduce your students to the state of Alaska and are looking for an enrichment activity? This resource includes a map skill activity and 12 informational web questions. Additionally, there are lots of fun facts about the state of Alaska and a number of extension activities. The activity can be done in one class period or over a couple of days if you choose to use some of the extension activities. A great resource to help develop reading and informational skills!
Middle Ages: Travel Back to Medieval Times!(A Unit of Study)
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Middle Ages: Travel Back to Medieval Times!(A Unit of Study)

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Did you know that the salute dates back to the time when knights would lift their visors to show who they were? Did you know that the carousel was originally a training tool for those hoping to become knights or that people actually placed live birds in a pie(Sing a Song of Sixpence)?This unit includes notes, lots of activities and resources on the Middle Ages!
Lady Bird Johnson: First Lady(Environmentalist!)
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Lady Bird Johnson: First Lady(Environmentalist!)

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Need a quick fun Friday(or day before a vacation activity)? Teaching American History and want to introduce your students to First Ladies of the United States? Try this fun and information play based on the Mark Goodson Production To Tell the Truth Game Show on Lady Bird Johnson. To Tell the Truth was a popular television show which has returned with host Anthony Anderson(of Blackish). Three guests all claim to be the real guest being interviewed by a panel. The real guest must tell the truth where the other impostors do not have to do so. Kids must be “truth detectives” to determine just who is the REAL Lady Bird Johnson. Students in grades 4 and up will have fun acting out their parts and learning some interesting facts about First Lady Lady Bird Johnson,called one of Washington’s first environmentalists! Discussion questions,comprehension questions and activities are also included.
George Washington and the Camel(1787): A Reading Passage in the Content Area of Social Studies
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George Washington and the Camel(1787): A Reading Passage in the Content Area of Social Studies

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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:
Brazil: Country in Focus(Webquest/Mapskill/Extension Activities
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Brazil: Country in Focus(Webquest/Mapskill/Extension Activities

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Learn about the country of Brazil with this informational web quest. There is also a map skill activity and fun facts. Additionally, there is a teacher page with extension activities and additional links. Although the map skill/webquest can be completed in one session, if you opt to do the extension activity, additional days could be used.
Let's Explore the Middle East! A Webquest
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Let's Explore the Middle East! A Webquest

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The region of the Middle East is in the news. Introduce your students to this region of the world with this informative webquest! Additionally, I have included several extension activities.It would be a great one day activity for before a vacation or for an enrichment activity or for a unit of study on this part of the world. There are 15 webquestions.
Crusades: A Visit with Sir Bartholomew, A Crusader(Reader's Theater Script)
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Crusades: A Visit with Sir Bartholomew, A Crusader(Reader's Theater Script)

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Learn about the Crusades with this fun and informative play. Students will have fun acting out the different parts, especially those of Sir Bartholomew. There are 10 audience questioners. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, the format is that of a talk show host with a studio audience that ask Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest questions about the time period. Included: cause, different crusades(ie: People’s Crusade, Children’s Crusade and the Third Crusade) and the important results of this period in history. There is a DiD You Know? fun facts,comprehension questions, a teacher section with extension activities and links I thought might be of interest to the teacher. There is also a key to the comprehension questions.
Julius Caesar: A Reading Passage Activity
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Julius Caesar: A Reading Passage Activity

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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
Harriet Tubman(A Reader's Theater Script)
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Harriet Tubman(A Reader's Theater Script)

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Use this informative Reader’s Theater Script to learn about Harriet Tubman, ex-slave who became the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad, a Union Spy and women’s suffrage advocate. The fun/informative play uses the format of three historians being guests on Ms. Bie Ografee’s talk show and the studio audience asks questions to the Historians to learn about the life of Harriet Tubman. Great for Black History Month,unit on the Civil War,or Women’s History Month. Comprehension questions/extension activities, key. Kids get a chance to “ham” it up and try out their acting skills!
Katherine Johnson: Scientist(The "Computer Who Wore Skirts")Biographical Play
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Katherine Johnson: Scientist(The "Computer Who Wore Skirts")Biographical Play

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Learn about Katherine Johnson, a physicist, space scientist and mathematician, who played a very important role with NASA’s early space missions with this biographical play. The movie Hidden Figures highlights the role of NASA’s “computers” such as Katherine Johnson and their contributions. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series of Reader’s Theater Scripts, there are comprehension questions, a Did You Know? section,a Teacher page with extensions/links and key. A great STEM biography! Additional Resources on this Topic You May Find of Interest: 1. Learn about the history of space with this informative web quest. There are 12 web questions, comprehension questions and extension activities: Space: A Webquest/Extension Activities 2. 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. Other plays in the Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series: Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Bessie Coleman Sacagawea, George Washington Carver, Thomas Edison, Martin Luther King, Sequoia, Michelangelo, DaVinci, Tuskegee Airmen, Susan B. Anthony, Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus, an interview with a groundhog, an interview with a leprechaun, an interview with Simon, victim of the Black Death, An Interview with Agent 355, a female agent in the Culper Spy Ring(Revolutionary War), Interview with a 49er from the California Gold Rush and more.