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!
FREE Sport Relief Assembly
Every year I do something to raise money for Sport Relief - this generally in my capacity as a zumba instructor (guess what ‘sport’ is there in the script, representing Z on the sports list?!)
This script is about as versatile as I can make it - any cast size, any duration, any number of songs/music suggestions.
Good luck to everyone ‘doing their thing’ this year. My challenge is going to be ‘sitting still for one minute’ during each of my 15 zumba routines - a challenge beyond anything I have ever undertaken before! If you’ve ever been to a zumba class you’ll know what I mean!
Simple message to accompany this script - ENJOY!
Sample Text:
Child 26: Volleyball
Child 27: Weightlifting
Child 28: Wrestling
Child 29: Zumba!
Narrator: (To Child 29) I beg your pardon?
Child 29: Zumba! Would you like a demonstration?
Music 2 – Zumba number/Latin American music
(Child 29 ‘performs’)
(Loud applause from cast and audience)
Narrator: Magnificent! And I can see that dancing is just as energetic as all those other sports we’ve mentioned!
Child 1: (Fanning him/herself) Phew! All that hot Latin American music!
Child 2: But let’s not forget our winter sports!
Child 3: We have only just had those fantastic Winter Olympics!
Child 4: Who could forget
Child 5: The skiing
Child 6: Bobsleigh
Child 7: Figure skating
Child 8: Ice hockey
Next big sporting event – THE WORLD CUP! Check out assemblies, guided reading scripts and quiz on this wonderful theme! All available off TES and
Refugee Class Play or Assembly Description
Refugee Week 15 – 21st June
Cast of 30 Speakers including Narrator. This number can obviously be adjusted according to class size.
Duration: Around 5 - 10 minutes reading time
This script was prompted by a single thought. It’s one thing dealing with the current Coronavirus pandemic when you can retreat to the safety of your home but imagine not having a home to retreat to, in the current circumstances?
This is does not provide coverage of the refugee global situation. That would require an in-depth knowledge of the various wars that have given rise to displacements of population – both internally and beyond country borders. But it is intended as maybe a starting point for further discussion and research.
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz
100 questions and answers on the 2016 Olympic Games!
Sample Text:
1. How many sports will there be at the 2016 Olympic Games? (28)
Ball Games
2. Name four ‘ball games’. (Tennis, table tennis, football and rugby)
3. Name two names for table tennis. (Whiff Waff or Flim Flam)
4. How many players, per team, are there for volley ball? (6)
5. How many for beach volley ball? (2)
6. How many new ball games have been introduced for 2016?(2)
7. What are they?(Rugby and golf)
8. What does the term ‘dunkin’ mean in basketball? (To slam a ball through the net)
9. From which bird do the feathers attached to a shuttlecock come? (Goose)
Archery, Shooting and Fencing
10. When was it compulsory for all English men aged between seven and sixty to be able to use a bow and arrow? (Fourteenth century)
11. Why was this considered necessary? (In order to defend their country)
12. What three types of gun are used for shooting? (Pistol, rifle and shotgun)
Other scripts available from Sue Russell:
ASSEMBLIES
Brazil Host Country to 2016 Rio Olympics
Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
History of the Olympics Assembly
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode
Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
OLYMPIC ODE
Rio 2016 Olympic Ode
Suggestions on how to use
This poem is made up of three parts, taken from the three words of the Olympic Motto - Citius, Altius, Fortius:
I. Faster
II. Higher
III. Stronger
Each part is made up of six verses (with chorus to start and/or finish)
18 speakers - 1 verse each, with whole class reading the chorus.
21 speakers - 1 verse each (for 18), plus chorus at the beginning of each part
24 speakers - 1 verse each (for 18), plus chorus at the beginning and end of each part
30 speakers - As for 24 speakers but including six extra verses provided at the end of III, made up of three winners and three losers.
I. Faster
Chorus
Faster, higher, stronger,
Olympic champions, we.
Faster, higher, stronger,
That's all we want to be!
Runner 1: The training's over
We're on the track
We're primed for action
There's no looking back.
Runner 2: On your marks
Get set, go!
It's now or never
We can't be slow.
Other scripts available from Sue Russell:
ASSEMBLIES
1. Brazil Host Country to 2016 Rio Olympics
2. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
3. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
4. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
5. History of the Olympics Assembly
6. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode
7. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
8. Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
QUIZ
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!
Superheroes Assembly for Key Stage I
Duration:
Around 10 – 15 minutes depending on how many ‘superhero demonstrations’ there are. The first ‘speaking’ part of the assembly is around 5 minutes reading time. The rest of the assembly is down to the teacher in charge as explained in Production Notes.
Cast:
Written for cast of 30 but easily adaptable up or down. The cast comprises class teacher as narrator plus children 1 – 30.
This assembly or class play is in roughly two parts - the first deals with the qualities of a superhero and how a superhero would change the world; the second is a demonstration of 'superpowers' by different 'superheroes'.
It is very much a 'movable feast' - the children can make their own choices re: how they'd change the world; and likewise choose which superheroes they'd like to portray - they can even make up their own. I have thus provided a 'template' which can be adapted according to class numbers and 'members'.
Sample Text:
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on
Whole cast: (Together) Superheroes!
Narrator: So, for the benefit of our audience, what makes a superhero? Or maybe I should ask the question, what makes a hero super?
Child 1: Super powers, of course!
Child 2: You can’t do much without them!
Child 3: Especially against those horrible baddies!
Narrator: So. Let me get this straight. Heroes are always good?
Child 4: Right. They fight for what is good in the world
Child 5: Against all that is bad!
Narrator: That must take a lot of courage!
Child 6: That’s why they’re superheroes!
Child 7: Brave!
Child 8: Strong!
Child 9: And determined!
Child 10: It’s not always easy being a superhero!
Narrator: (To cast) So. If you had the powers of a superhero, what would you do to make the world a better place?
Child 11: I would take food to everyone who was hungry.
Child 12: I would give shelter to everyone without a home.
Child 13: I would hug everyone who feels unloved.
Child 14: I would drive around in a Ferrari!
Narrator: (Snorting) Oh really! And how is that going to improve the world?
Child 14: Well, it would certainly improve mine!
St. George and The Dragon Assembly - Key Stage One
Slightly alternative version, this one, with just one knight in shining armour amongst 14 pairs of princesses and dragons!
You could say, speed dating with a difference!
Whatever way you look at it, the outcome is very different from the usual version of the story.
The cast is adaptable to any size class - just adjust the number of princesses and dragons!
Duration: around 10 - 15 minutes (Reading time just 5 minutes but this does not allow for music suggestions and ‘parade’).
Sample Text:
Princess 1: (Interrupting whilst preening herself) I’m the beautiful princess!
St. George: (Looking unimpressed) Oh, really?
Princess 1: (Stamping her foot angrily) Yes, really!
(To St. George) And who are you?
St. George: St. George, since you ask!
Princess 1: (Shrieking) No! There must be some mistake!
Narrator: Sorry? What do you mean?
Princess 1: Well, look at him! He’s meant to be handsome!
St. George: And you’re meant to be?(pauses) … what was it? Oh yes, beautiful?
(St. George and Princess 1 stand glaring at each other)
Narrator: Now! Now! This will never do! As hero and heroine, you are meant to be in love!
Princess 1: No way!
St. George: Not likely!
Narrator: (Clutching head and holding up notes) Oh for goodness sake! How am I going to make this work?
St. George: Start with the dragon!
(Aside to audience, pointing at Princess 1) And I don’t mean her!
It's Good To Be Me Leavers Assembly
Class size - any
Duration - open ended
This leavers’ assembly can be tailored to any class or year group size; and likewise can be any length.
I have provided a 'skeleton script' of around 5 minutes actual reading time but with numerous opportunities to add on e.g. in 'Wish' and 'Achievement' sections. There are also numerous songs/music which can be included or omitted accordingly.
There is the additional fun 'option' of the schools staff 'joining in' at the end - but this is optional and can be left out.
Sample Text:
Child 1: What’s there to celebrate?
Child 2: (Holding up Numeracy exercise book) Look at my scores in Maths. Five out of ten, six out of ten, three out of ten … Why do I bother? I’ll never get Maths!
Child 3: Huh! Think that’s bad? You should see the marks I get in my spelling tests! You think you’ve got number blindness? (Child 2 nodding in agreement). Well, I’ve sure got a bad case of blindness when it comes to stringing more than two letters together!
Child 4: But at least you don’t make everybody around you wish they were deaf! (Starts singing totally off key/out of tune ‘Do Ray Me Far So La Tea Doe’ set of scales. Whole cast clasps their hands over their ears). See what I mean?
Teacher: (Uncovering ears) Hey? What? Oh, you mean your slight lack of musicality? Well, maybe there is just a little room for improvement.
Child 5: (Holding up bits of woodwork, taped together but falling apart) And what about my latest Design Technology ‘project’? I don’t think I’ll be getting the call to build the next Olympic stadium!
Teacher: (Stroking chin, reflectively) Hmm. Maybe not.
Child 6: (Holding up ‘art work’ – black dot in middle of yellow paint) And I don’t suppose I’ll be in the Tate Gallery any time soon!
Teacher: Ooh. I wouldn’t bank on it – have you been recently? ‘Anything goes’ there! I think your work would fit in perfectly!
Child 7: (Breathlessly) But what about me? I try every year to run that one minute mile – but have I got beyond one hundred metres yet? (Starts coughing and clutching his side) Not a chance!
Teacher: Enough! Enough! What is wrong with you guys?
Other Leavers Assemblies by Sue Russell:
• Leavers' Assembly for Year 6's
• Our School's Got Talent Leavers' Assembly
• Olympics Leavers Assembly
• School's Out Leavers' Assembly
The Queen’s 90th Birthday Party Assembly
Special half price to celebrate Her Majesty's Big Day!
Whilst 'gracing this assembly' with her presence, the 'party lady' seems just a little reluctant to join in the festivities. So what can our narrator and supporting cast do to change this situation?
Well, did someone say it was Her Majesty's 90th birthday? Then, let's hear it for those 90 reasons to celebrate!
Sample Text
Music 1 Rule Britannia or Land of Hope and Glory
(Cast files in with Music 1 in background; all take their seats)
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 on my birthday! 90 years! Not bad, eh?
Narrator: Well, some of us haven’t been around quite that long, your Majesty! But we are here today to celebrate your birthday with you!
Queen: Oh I wouldn’t worry too much about that!
Narrator: Oh? And why’s that?
Queen: (Wistfully) Oh I don’t know. Once one has had as many birthdays as one has ..
Narrator: You mean, you’re bored of birthdays?
Queen: Well, I’m not quite the party creature I used to be!
Narrator: Nonsense! And you know what? That’s what we’re here to prove to you today!
Queen: Oh really! Well ..
(Queen looks uncertain, shaking her head)
Narrator: (To Cast) OK. Time to make Her Majesty’s day!
Queen: (Sighing) You can try ..
Narrator: Well, with ninety reasons to celebrate your birthday I don’t see how we can go wrong!
Whole cast: (Exclaiming together) Ninety?
Narrator: You heard! Ninety! And if we’re going to fit those ninety into the next (looks at watch) fifteen minutes, we’d better get a move on! Off we go!
Queen: Well, you don’t mind if I make myself comfortable on this here throne?
(Queen ‘settles herself comfortably’ onto throne)
Queen: Ah that’s better. Do start!
Narrator: Well, there are quite a few perks to being Queen, I think you’ll agree?
(Queen nods)
Child 1: For starters, you get to have two birthdays a year! Can’t be bad! That’s your real one on 21st April and another official one in June!
The Easter Egg Hunt Assembly for Key Stage 1
This is a class play/assembly lasting about 10 minutes, based on the same nine birds as used in the Key Stage II version but with a further 21 feathery friends to make up the numbers - to 30.
Sample Text
Rude Robin: (Huffily) And mine! Mind you don't drop it!
Posh Pigeon: I'm sure you'll be delighted with this one!
Polite Peacock: Please accept this. No need to thank me!
Boastful Buzzard: Here's the best of the lot!
Happy Hawk: Happy to be of service!
Crazy Cuckoo: You'd have to be cuckoo not to take mine!
Weepy Woodpecker: (Weeping) Oh woe! When will I see you again, little egg?
Kind Kingfisher: There, there! (To Weepy Woodpecker) Here's another handkerchief for you! (To Clumsy Chicken) And an egg for you!
Serious Stork: (Very seriously) Take great care! This is serious business!
Pretty Polly Parrot: Pretty Polly! Pretty Polly! Here's a pretty egg for you!
Flamboyant Flamingo: Here we are! My very best!
Gracious Grouse: Please accept this!
Cranky Crow: (Crankily) Take this! Can I go now?
Bored Blackbird: (Yawning) Yeah! How much more?
Thoughtful Thrush: Now, now! A little patience! I think you'll find we're nearly done!
Dim Dove: Where did you want it?
Loud Lark: (Shouting) Right there! In that basket! Here, watch me! (Demonstrating) Easy, huh?
Outspoken Owl: About time! This is the last time I'm standing at the end of the line!
Hoarse Humming bird: (Humming) Here you are!
Miserable Magpie: (Whining) Last but not least! What a wait!
Colour Assembly for Key Stage One (5 – 7-year olds)
Cast of 30 (easily adapted up or down). Duration 5 – 10 minutes.
This assembly or class play is intended as a brief introduction to colour. As well as listing the primary and secondary colours it looks at feelings and images associated with colour, plus a touch of stereotyping (blues and pinks) – thankfully blown away by Elmer appearance!
Sample Text:
Narrator: (Applauding whole cast) Very good! (Pauses) And isn’t it funny how sometimes colours can make us experience different feelings. (To Child 17) You said how red made you feel hot. I wonder if we can do the same exercise again but think of how the colour makes us feel. Let’s start with red again!
Child 1: Angry!
Child 2: I see red! Grrrr!
Narrator: Orange!
Child 3: it’s a nice bright colour so it makes me happy!
Narrator: Yellow!
Child 4: (Running on the spot) Lots of energy!
Narrator: (Thoughtfully) Hmm. That’s a positive spin on the word. But have you heard the expression ‘cowardly custard’? Sometimes yellow can be used in quite a mean way.
Child 5: I think of buttercups! (Takes one out of pocket and holds it under chin) Can you see if I like butter or not?
(Narrator walks over to have a look)
Narrator: It seems you do! A definite yellow glow on your chin!
(Pauses) Now, where were we? Ah yes, green!
Child 6: You can feel green with envy!
Narrator: Indeed you can! (Pauses) And blue?
Child 7: Brrrr! It’s suddenly feeling a bit cold around here!
World Cup Rugby PRIDE Assembly - written by Sue Russell aka plays-r-ussell
Cast of 25
Duration: around 15 - 20 minutes reading time not including ‘suggested’ music
This Class Play sets out to demonstrate the importance of P.R.I.D.E. - an acronym for Positive attitude; Respect for yourself and others; the ability to make Intelligent decisions; time to Dream; and not forgetting all the Effort that needs to be put in - in all walks of life.
It provides the perfect way of demonstrating what it takes to make it in life - the kind of success story all children can aspire to.
Also available as set of 5 guided reading play scripts.
(This script was originally inspired by The Celtics basketball team, in Boston - featuring 17 basketball players, 1 coach, 3 fans, 3 dancers plus mascot but I have adapted it for use by Rugby World Cup, Football World Cup and the Olympics - all available as separate scripts .. with modifications according to sport)
Healthy Living Assembly or Class Play
This script was written as a complementary script to two others already written - Skeleton & Muscles Assembly and Teeth and Eating Assembly. These two were written for Years 3 & 4. This one is for Years 5 & 6.
Subjects covered: recap on all major organs, importance of good diet and regular exercise. There is also mention of what is not good for you.
Mental health is mentioned at the end of this script - as it is stressed throughout that it’s not just about ‘looking good’ - feeling good is equally important.
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down
Duration: 10 minutes without any music; but lots of opportunity for expansion should a longer performance be required. This is explained in the Production Notes (namely, adding detail on ‘organ functions’ and different types of food); and the two scripts mentioned above could, with their purchase, also be used as ‘add ons’.
Sample Text:
Narrator: Ah yes! What makes a healthy body? Now, there’s a question!
Child 1: Good diet!
Child 2: Plenty of exercise!
Narrator: Sounds simple enough! (Bracing muscles) No wonder I feel so good!
(Enter Model, Athlete, Weight Trainer, Dancer and Walker – all ‘doing their thing’)
Narrator: Just look at those bodies – all so toned!
(Exit Model, Athlete, Weight Trainer, Dancer and Walker)
(Narrator looks startled)
Narrator: Oh wait a minute! I thought we were going to hear a bit more about that all-important exercise?
(Enter doctor)
Doctor: We will! All in good time! But first we should look at what’s on the inside! It isn’t just about having perfect body shape, on the outside, you know!
Narrator: (Sheepishly) Oh I know that! Huh! I’m not one to be taken in by appearances!
Doctor: I’m glad to hear it because outer beauty is by no means the whole story. It’s about feeling good as well!
(Enter Brain)
Brain: Oh, that’s way more important than anything else. If you don’t feel good, then forget it! Well, actually, on second thoughts, don’t do that because
Narrator: (Coughing) Ahem! Excuse me. I hate to interrupt you but … you are?
Brain: Oh sorry! Did I not introduce myself? Well, you see there is a reason
Doctor: (Holding his hand up for Brain to stop) Oh dear. This is the first of the body’s internal organs
Brain: (Interrupting; and tapping head) Indeed! Starting from the top!
Narrator: (Irritably) Could you just tell us your name?
Brain: Tell you my name? Well, of course, my dear fellow. I’m Brain! I’m the one in charge!
Narrator: (Hurriedly) Oh I don’t think so! Not today, anyway!
Robots Assembly
When is a human not a human? When is a robot not a robot? Our unsuspecting Narrator is just about to find out the hard way! As are those androids - when having a sense of humour is not enough!
Cast size: 30 (easily adjustable up or down)
Duration: around 20 minutes (depending on amount of music used)
Sample Text 1:
Music 1 – I Can Transform Ya – Chris Brown
(Children file in, sitting down in two rows of fifteen, facing the audience)
Narrator: Good morning and I am happy to introduce you to my magnificent cast
(Narrator gestures to cast to rise)
(Whole cast rises to its feet)
Whole Cast: (Robotically) Good morning! ... Very pleased to meet you!
(Narrator gestures to cast to sit)
(Whole cast sits down)
Narrator: What a well-behaved lot! (Aside to audience) I can see I’m going to enjoy this particular assembly … (pointing to cast) … on robots, in case you hadn’t guessed. Sure beats my usual task of directing noisy, badly behaved children!
Sample Text 2:
Group III: (Together) How did you guess?
Narrator: Oh, when you’ve been around children as long as I have, you come to know them pretty well.
Child 7: But they’re human aren’t they?
Narrator: Hmm. Now, there’s a question!
Child 8: But, they laugh and cry, don’t they?
Child 9: Weren’t we convincing enough?
Child 10: We laughed at all the jokes
Child 11: We even laughed in all the right places!
Child 12: We cried during that soppy song
Child 13: Real tears!
Child 14: We showed all the emotions you humans go on about!
Child 15: So where did we go wrong?
Child 1: I think we can answer that.
Child 2: No human child, with half a brain, would find those particular jokes funny!
Child 3: Truly lame is what they were!
Teeth and Eating Assembly or Class Play
Years 3 & 4
This is one of three scripts written on ‘The Body’. The other two are:
The Skeleton and Muscles Assembly - Years 3 & 4
&
Healthy Living Assembly - Years 5 & 6
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down. Duration - around 20 minutes including music choices.
Once again, our narrator has his/her work cut out, vying with a dentist, a ‘super athlete’, a ‘Sweet Gang’ and of course … a whole crowd of chattering teeth!
Sample Script:
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on
(Sound of dentist’s drill)
(Narrator walks over to dentist, standing over patient, with drill in hand)
Narrator: (Shouting) Er, excuse me!
(Drilling stops and dentist looks round towards narrator)
Dentist: (Angrily) Yes! Did you want something? Surely you can see I’m rather busy here!
Narrator: (Huffily) I’m sure you are! But so am I! I happen to be trying to hold an assembly this morning and, well, I just can’t do that with you drilling!
Patient: (Leaping off chair) Oh that’s fine! I can always come back another day!
(Dentist places patient firmly back in the chair)
Dentist: Oh no you don’t! You are not going anywhere – not until I have finished!
(To narrator) Now, if you don’t mind
(Dentist picks up drill and moves towards patient)
Narrator: No! Stop!
(Dentist stops)
Narrator: I can give you a very good reason why you should stop what you are doing. Well, for a short time, anyway.
Dentist: Oh yes? Well, come on, then. This had better be good.
Narrator: Well, wouldn’t you agree that prevention is better than cure?
Dentist: You mean, looking after your teeth rather than me fixing them?
Narrator: Correct! And our job here this morning is to educate everyone about just that!
Dentist: Ah! Now you’re talking!
(To Patient) You might want to listen to this. It could save you future trips to my surgery!
Anti-Bullying Assembly or Class Play
Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone is used as its title and final song.
Its Children’s Mental Health Week 3 - 9 February. So I am reducing a number of my ‘mental health related’ scripts to mark the occasion
Some useful tips on looking out for others - and yourself.
This class play identifies different types of bullying and suggests strategies for both prevention and dealing with the problem when it arises. It looks at the problem of bullying from 2 perspectives - that of the ‘bully’ and the ‘bullied’, examining why bullies behave as they do and what it feels like to be on the receiving end. The most important message is that we are all special, that we should like ourselves the way we are, and that if we ever find ourselves being bullied, we should get help/talk to someone - never bottle it up inside and ‘put up’ with it.
I wrote this at a time when my own daughter (then 9) was being bullied. I learnt many lessons from the experience which I would like to pass onto others.
This script comes in two versions - First one being longer at around 15 minutes (not including music suggestions); second one shorter at just under 10 minutes. I have identified the text that has been left in and taken out from versions I and II respectively. This gives you as a teacher the choice of what length play you wish to use.
Another resource for use within the classroom is a script in the Bible Stories section of the website on David and Goliath - cast of 10 and with discussion pointers on bullying at the end.
Sample Text:
Child 19: You have to believe in yourself. And be your own best friend!
(Child 21: Lollipop lady walks to centre of stage - lifts STOP sign each time it’s spoken)
Narrator: What are you doing here? I can’t see any traffic?
Lollipop Lady: No, but there are lots of things that need to stop, apart from cars. We’re here to tell you about the things we should stop doing!
Child 1:
STOP feeling everything that goes wrong is your fault! It isn’t!
Child 2:
STOP thinking you have to be perfect at everything! It’s not possible - you’re not superman!
Child 3:
STOP letting what you can’t do get in the way of what you can do!
Child 4:
STOP trying to be everybody’s friend. You can be liked by some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time!
Child 5:
STOP jumping to conclusions. If someone doesn’t say Hi to you, don’t think ‘Hey! They’re ignoring me. They don’t like me anymore!’ They might not have seen you. Don’t assume the worst!
Child 6:
Stop labelling yourself. Feeling sad one day doesn’t make you a wimp!
Child 7:
Getting your sums wrong another day doesn’t make you a loser!
Child 8:
Having a spot on your nose one day doesn’t make you ugly!
Child 9:
Having an extra chocolate bar doesn’t make you wicked!
Child 10:
Stop telling yourself you should be this, and you shouldn’t be that.
Back to School Be Inspired Class Play or Assembly
Since releasing this originally as a New Year Script I have ‘tweaked’ it to produce this script – a celebration of the beginning of the academic year.
There are now three versions of the script available
• Be Inspired New Year Assembly (the original script)
• Be Inspired Assembly (for any time of the year)
• Back to School Be Inspired Assembly (beginning of the school year)
Cast Size
30 – but this number can easily be adapted up or down.
Duration
Around 20 minutes. The performance can be extended by the addition of more jokes and poetry.
Sample Text
Music I – I’m So Excited – Pointer Sisters
(Whole cast ‘dances’ in, seating themselves along two rows of fifteen seats, facing the audience)
Narrator: (To cast) Welcome back! Another school year! Are we all feeling inspired, that is the question?
(Everyone cheers)
Narrator: Now, that’s how I like to start an assembly! Lots of enthusiasm, zest, passion
Child 1: Yes, yes, we get all that! But where are we going with all this good feeling?
Narrator: Well, I’m kind of hoping its going to last (pauses) at least until …tomorrow?
Child 2: (Shaking head) Ooh, I wouldn’t count on it. I mean, a lot can happen in a day!
Narrator: I know it’s a lot to ask but, well, it’s good to have things to aspire to – however long for! As to how we’re going to achieve such a goal
Child 3: (Interrupting) Oh, that’s simple. We just have to get inspired!
Child 4: We’ve been doing some research and we’ve come up with some pretty inspirational stuff!
Narrator: (Clapping hands) Excellent! Then, take it away!
Child 5: So, it’s all about behaving in the right way every day of our lives.
Narrator: (Aside to audience, incredulously) Every day? Seriously? That would have to be seen to be believed!
Child 6: I know. It seems like a tall order. So we thought we’d start with just one month! Maybe this one! You have to start somewhere!
Narrator: You mean, you have actually managed to find ‘inspiration’ for every day of the month, for each of the thirty days?
Child 7: Correct. Starting with the Day One. Here comes the first of the many inspirational quotations we found.
Narrator: Let’s hear it!
Child 7: ‘Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking’ – that was written by a J.C. Watts .
Narrator: Fine words especially as I think most of us would want to receive praise or maybe reward.
Child 7: Which is why not looking for praise or reward is all the more impressive.
Child 8: (Grunting) I’ll try and remember that next time I do something amazing and nobody notices!
Child 7: But you’ll know and that should be enough!
Child 8: You’re right. It shouldn’t be about looking to others for praise. I’ll pat my own back from now on!
Narrator: (Applauding) Very good! Next!
Child 9: Day Two ‘A life making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing at all’ – that’s from St. Patrick.
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden Assembly
Class Play for 7 – 11 year olds: Key Stage II
This is the second in the Biblical Banter series – a script that has been written in 2 versions, for both younger (5 – 7 year olds) and older (7 – 11 year olds) children – both versions available separately off the website. Please note – this script is for the older age group.
The writer, Sue Russell, has to date written three other scripts in this series, including The Creation, Noah’s Ark and Jonah and the Whale.
Duration: Around 10 minutes reading time - double this for inclusion of songs/music.
Cast of 30 - though this could be reduced right down to 5, as explained in Production Notes (only 7 actual speakers - rest part of Animal Kingdom, Circle of Life, routine)
Interesting choice of music - including Barbie Doll and Something Wrong in Paradise ..... not forgetting, of course, ..... Temptation!
Sample Text:
Music 2 Temptation – Heaven 17
Serpent: Good day to you! So (hissing) nice ..sss sssssss to meet you!
Adam: A pleasure to meet you too. (Looking up into the branches of the Tree of Knowledge). So is this where you hang out?
Serpent: Oh yessssssss. Nice ..sssssssss, issssssssn’t it?
God: Hmm. Very pleasant. But of course this tree is quite different from every other tree in the garden.
Eve: Oh really? And why is that?
God: (To Adam) You mean you haven’t told her yet?
Adam: Oh, I was just getting round to it!
God: (Angrily) Just getting round to it? You need to get round to things around here a lot quicker than that …. Or you’re going to get into all sorts of trouble.
Monkey: (Aside) What was I saying?
Eve: So, what is it with this tree?
God: This tree just happens to be the Tree of Knowledge – of good and evil.
Eve: Ooh. I don’t like the sound of that last bit.
God: It’s not a ‘bit’ you have to worry about … (pauses) but a bite! One bite of one of these apples … (pauses) and you’re dead .. or as good as!
Eve: Dead?
God: Correct. Kerput! They are forbidden! Forbidden fruit, get it?
(Adam puts his arm reassuringly around Eve)
Adam: But don’t you worry your sweet pretty head, Evie! There are plenty of other apples and fruit to eat from, in this garden!
Jonah and the Whale Assembly
Class play for 7 – 11 year olds - Key Stage II
This is one of the Biblical Banter series. The writer, Sue Russell, has to date written three other scripts in this series, including The Creation, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and Noah’s Ark.
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down.
Duration: Speaking time around 15 minutes. This does not include a great playlist of 10 songs which could potentially double time of performance to 30 mins at least!
Sample Text:
(Sound of thunder and lightning)
Captain: Whoah! What was that?
Sailor 2: Sounded like thunder and lightning to me!
Sailor 3: Oh oh! That’s not good!
Jonah: (Nervously) What do you mean?
Sailor 4: He means, there’s a storm approaching!
Jonah: Oh, that’s all right! I’ve brought an umbrella!
(All sailors laugh)
Sailor 5: Er, you’re going to need a little more than an umbrella if this storm takes a hold!
(Boat starts rocking furiously, as sound of raging wind gathers momentum)
Sailor 6: Whoa! Hold on everyone!
Sailor 7: We’re in for a rough one!
Jonah: (Holding his stomach) Oh dear, I’m beginning to feel a bit queasy!
Sailor 8: You’ll be feeling more than that if you don’t get a move on and help!
(Everyone rushes around trying to tie things down; storm continues to get worse and worse)
Sailor 1: My! This is some storm!
Sailor 2: We’ve never had one like this before!
Sailor 3: Something tells me someone on board has brought with them more than a little bad luck!
(All sailors round on Jonah)
Jonah: Who? Me?
Captain: Tell me again why you wanted to join my crew on this trip?
Jonah: (Spluttering) I, er, well, it’s like this
Captain: Come on man, spit it out! What’s your real story?
Jonah: (Sighing) OK. I suppose you deserve the truth. You see, I was running!
Sailor 4: Running?
Sailor 5: Away from what?
Jonah: Away from my God.
(All Sailors groan and clutch their heads)
Captain: Well, that explains it! Had I known, I’d never have allowed you on board my ship!
Nursery Rhymes Assembly for Key Stage One
Cast Size: 25 easily adjusted up or down (Class teacher taking role of Narrator)
Duration: Around 5 – 10 minutes
This assembly is based on 10 nursery rhymes and, as explained in the production notes, can be seen as a template - adding or replacing rhymes as you see fit.
There is a longer assembly available (around 15 - 20 minutes) which has a choice of 20 nursery rhymes - this one is called Nursery Rhymes Assembly Extended Version - and this could also be used by Key Stage II or used as a combined production, between both Key Stages - i.e. as a collaborative piece. Please note: the first half of the extended assembly uses the original 10 rhyme script i.e. just adds on.
Sample Text:
Narrator: What is that noise?
(Enter cat playing fiddle, followed by cow holding moon; dog; and dish holding a spoon)
(Whole cast recites rhyme; characters acting out the lines)
Hey Diddle Diddle,
The cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon;
The little dog laughed
To see such sport,
And the dish ran away
With the spoon.
(Exit cat, cow, dog and dish)
(Everyone uncovers their ears)
Narrator: Oh thank goodness for that. I mean, don’t get me wrong – we all like a little music … but not quite like that!
(Enter Little Miss Muffet)
(Whole cast recites rhyme; characters acting out the lines)
Little Miss Muffet
Sat on a tuffet,
Eating her curds and whey;
(Enter Spider)
There came a big spider,
Who sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away.
(Exit Little Miss Muffet and Spider)
Narrator: (Cowering behind children) Has it gone? Is it safe to come out yet?
Whole cast: (Sighing) Yes. The spider’s gone, Miss!
(Narrator returns to her former place)
Narrator: Huh! Well, that’s fine then. (Pauses) Not that I was ever scared of that wee spider! Nah – just acting along with Miss Muffet there!
(Whole cast look at each other, shaking heads)
Narrator: (Coughing) Any how! Moving on.
(Enter Old Mother Hubbard and her dog)
Narrator: Ah! A dear old lady and her wee doggie.
(Whole cast recites rhyme; characters acting out the lines)
Old Mother Hubbard
She went to the cupboard
To fetch her poor dog a bone,
But when she got there,
The cupboard was bare,
And so the poor dog had none.
(Collective sympathetic sigh from the Cast)
Narrator: Oh dear! Oh we can’t have that!
(Narrator rummages around in her handbag and comes up with a bone)
(Narrator holds up bone to dog which bounds over to Narrator in delight, barking happily, jumping up and down, and trying to lick her face)
Money and Me Assembly description
Cast of 30 – easily adaptable up or down
Duration – around 20 minutes including music suggestions and performance.
Hand on heart, I had thought an assembly on money would be a bit dry. But when the songs started coming, my main challenge was to keep the playlist in check – take a look!
Music
Living in a Material World – George Harrison
Money Money Money – Abba
Material Girl – Madonna
Money – Pink Floyd
Fashion – David Bowie
Money Makes the World Go Round – Liza Minelli (Cabaret)
Jesse J – Price Tag ft B.O.B
Money for Nothing – Dire Straits
With this kind of music and the opportunities each song presents for performance, how could you go wrong?!
The script does cover serious subjects - such as our obsession with shopping (!) and touches on the growing width of our rich/poor divide. But the main focus is on achieving a balanced world where we all recognise what we need as opposed to just what we want. Yes, we should be aware of the importance of money (quick nod to bank manager in the cast). But do we really want a world driven by consumerism and material temptations all too readily supplied by advertising? I think we will all agree the answer is no – though our cast did take a bit of persuading at the beginning! Enjoy!
Sample Text
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on
Music 2 Money Money Money – Abba
(Whole cast stands to sing - just the chorus)
(‘Rich lady’ in furs and jewels parades up and down)
Narrator: (Holding up hand) I see! So, is that what you all think?
Speaker 1: Think? What do you mean?
Narrator: Well, do you all believe, and I quote “It’s a rich man’s world”?
Speaker 2: (Sighing) If I had a little money …
Speaker 3: (Sighing) All the things I could do …
Narrator: Oh really? And what would you do?
Speaker 4: What would I not do?
Speaker 5: I’d ride a fancy car!
Speaker 6: I’d live in a huge mansion in Beverley Hills!
Speaker 7: I’d have my own swimming pool!
Speaker 8: I’d have servants to wait on me!
Speaker 9: I’d go watch Man United every week!
Speaker 10: I’d go shopping along Oxford Street every week!
Speaker 11: I’d go on holiday to far off exotic places!
Speaker 12: I’d
Narrator: (Interrupting) Enough! Enough! (Sighing) Why did I ever ask?
Speaker 12: But you didn’t give me a chance to say what I would do!
Narrator: Oh, let me guess. Cover yourself in jewels, gold and silver?
Speaker 12: Ugh! Gross! Why would I want to do that?
Narrator: Well I can think of some who might!
Music 3 Material Girl – Madonna (first verse and chorus)
(Madonna character performing surrounded by suitors)
Narrator: (Smugly) There you go!
Speaker 12: (Indignantly) What do you mean, there you go? We’re not all driven by materialism!