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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.
American Civil War: Women Soldiers! A Reader's Theater Script
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American Civil War: Women Soldiers! A Reader's Theater Script

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It is estimated that approximately 400-700 WOMEN fought as soldiers during all the major battles of the Civil War.(1861-1865) Since females were not allowed to fight in battles at that time, those women that did become soldiers disguised themselves as men! This Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Reader’s Theater Script features Sarah Rosetta Wakeman, Sarah Emma Edmonds, Amy Clarke and Mary Galloway. Three of these women fought on the Union side during the Civil War and one fought for the Confederacy. Students will learn about these women soldiers and their contribution to the Civil War. The format is a talk show host with a studio audience who get to ask questions of the “guests”. There is also a Did You Know? section of facts on the Civil War, Comprehension Questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links of interest and the key to the comprehension questions. Similar Resources of Interest: Civil War: A Webquest Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee series, Ms. Bie Ografee welcomes Mathew Brady to her talk show. Students will have fun acting out the parts of this informative play on the “Father of Photojournalism” and learning about his photography, especially recording the events of the Civil War.Mathew Brady Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series.Abraham Lincoln, A Reader’s Theater Script. Reader’s Theater Script on Mary Todd Lincoln. 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 Harriet Tubman being a guest on Ms. Bie Ografee’s talk show and the studio audience asks questions about her life and contributions. Great for Black History Month in February or Women’s History Month in March. Comprehension questions/extension activities, key.Harriet Tubman, A Reader’s Theater Script
Sojourner Truth: Abolitionist, Women's Rights Advocate, Author
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Sojourner Truth: Abolitionist, Women's Rights Advocate, Author

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Looking for a reading passage and activities on Sojourner Truth? If, so, check out this resource which is part of my Let’s Meet Series. Done in the first person, students will learn about the life of Sojourner Truth. Also included are Did You Know? Fun Facts, Comprehension Questions, a Map Activity and a Teacher Page with extension Activities. Could be helpful during Black History Month, Women’s History Month or if you are covering this period of history. The reading passage activity could also be a lesson for a substitute of for a Friday activity. Check out my Let’s Meet Series: I have a number of similar reading passages on famous people in this series, “Let’s Meet…” including: Phillis Wheatley(poet), Joan of Arc(Military leader/Heroine of France), Mary Anning (paleonotologist) ,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) and Socrates(Philosopher of Ancient Greece).
World War 2: Female Pilots(WASP) A Reader's Theater Script
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World War 2: Female Pilots(WASP) A Reader's Theater Script

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During WW2, it was very unusual for a woman to be a pilot. When there was a shortage of male pilots due to their being needed in combat, an experimental project was begun where female pilots would be used by the military(although they weren’t part of the military) to assist with ferrying aircrafts from the manufacturers to military bases. Female pilots, WomenAir Force Service Pilots,(WASP) also would test repaired planes to see if they were SAFE for male pilots to fly. They also were asked to help train soldiers by towing targets behind their airplane for the soldiers to shoot at(with REAL ammunition). Out of the 1074 WASP, 38 would die(11 in training missions). After the war, these heroic women were basically forgotten. In fact, what they did was classified. They could not call themselves “veterans”, nor did they qualify for any military benefits. This wouldn’t change until 1977. This play covers what it was like for a female member of the WASP and how their contributions were ignored but eventually honored for all that they did during World War 2. Great for Women’s History Month, study on World War 2 or for a substitute or day before a holiday when you wish to introduce kids to some areas of history in our country. This Reader’s Theater Script using a compilation of women to create Mildred Wallingford, a member of the WASP. Real members are also mentioned throughout the reading. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, students learn about this important contribution to the war effort as a “studio audience” asks questions of Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest. A Did You Know? fun facts, comprehension questions, links to additional information, a teacher page with extension activities and the key are also included.
Frederick Douglass: Abolitionist, Author, Speaker(A Reader's Theater Script)
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Frederick Douglass: Abolitionist, Author, Speaker(A Reader's Theater Script)

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Looking for a Reader’s Theater Script on Frederick Douglass? If, so, check out this play, part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series. 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. Students will learn lots of information on abolitionist, author and speaker, Frederick Douglass. The script uses a “studio” audience who asks questions of Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest, Frederick Douglass. Could be helpful during Black History Month or if you are covering this period of history. The play could also be an activity for a substitute or for a Friday activity or when you’d like to introduce your students to famous people in American History. Check out my Let’s Meet Series: I have a number of similar reading passages on famous people in this series, “Let’s Meet…” including: Phillis Wheatley(poet), Joan of Arc(Military leader/Heroine of France), Mary Anning (paleontologist) ,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) and Socrates(Philosopher of Ancient Greece).
Wright Brothers: Wilbur and Orville, A Reader's Theater Script
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Wright Brothers: Wilbur and Orville, A Reader's Theater Script

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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:
Diocles: Famous Charioteer of Ancient Rome(A Reading Passage)
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Diocles: Famous Charioteer of Ancient Rome(A Reading Passage)

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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
Spartacus: Roman Gladiator(Reading Passage with information on Roman Colosseum)
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Spartacus: Roman Gladiator(Reading Passage with information on Roman Colosseum)

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Spartacus, was a famous gladiator of Ancient Rome(@109 BC-71 BC) . Originally, a soldier when he tried to leave the army, Spartacus was sold into slavery. His “job” would be to entertain people as a gladiator (fighter).Spartacus would later lead an uprising of slaves seeking freedom in what historians called the Third Servile War or The Gladiator’s War. Some people also refer to the revolt, The War of Spartacus. The reading includes a Did You Know? fact section, comprehension questions, a map activity and a teacher page with extension activities and the key. Additional Resources on this topic: Ancient Rome: Italy, A Webquest: Ancient Roman Secret Diocles: Famous Charioteer of Ancient Rome A Reading:
Women's Suffrage: The Silent Sentinels(A Reading Passage/Activity)
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Women's Suffrage: The Silent Sentinels(A Reading Passage/Activity)

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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:
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
Iran: Let's Learn about the Country of Iran(A Webquest)
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Iran: Let's Learn about the Country of Iran(A Webquest)

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Introduce young people to the country of Iran. Included is cultural, historical and current events. There are 10 web questions, a map activity, a Did You Know section? Comprehension/Discussion questions and a teacher page with 8 extension activities and the keys(map questions, web quest and comprehension questions).
Learn about the Renaissance(Webquest/Extension Activities)
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Learn about the Renaissance(Webquest/Extension Activities)

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This 10 question webquest on the Renaissance is packed with lots of information.Extension activities, comprehension questions, fun facts and resource links and key.This activity can be done as a one day lesson to learn about the Renaissance or several days if you wish to use the extension activities. Skills include:reading for information and using research/computer skills.
Lewis and Clark(Webquest/Extension Activities)
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Lewis and Clark(Webquest/Extension Activities)

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Go on the Expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase with Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the rest of the group. The informative webquestions will give students lots of information about the famous expedition.Several extension activites/resources are also included. Skills include:reading for information and using research/computer skills.
April Fool's Day Freebie
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April Fool's Day Freebie

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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.
Spring! Learn about Tulips(A Freebie)
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Spring! Learn about Tulips(A Freebie)

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Possible Interactive Notebook Activity to use with students as a springtime activity. Show Kids that EVERYTHING has a HISTORY, even the tulip! See the entire resource: Sharing information about the history of the tulip is a great way to show kids that EVERYTHING has a history. The resource includes a reading passage, Did You Know? fun facts, comprehension questions, Map-skill activity, Teacher page with extension activities and key. Click here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/everything-has-a-history-even-tulips-11268026
Using the News in the Classroom: Phoenician Ship Discovered!
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Using the News in the Classroom: Phoenician Ship Discovered!

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Using the news in the classroom to introduce topics in history. A Phoenician trading ship was discovered off the coast of Spain and it is hoped that since the ship is only about 6 ft. down, marine archaeologists plan to bring the ship to the surface this year. Freebie includes fun facts about the Phoenicians and several activities as well as the news story.
Ancient Egyptians: A BUNDLE of RESOURCES
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Ancient Egyptians: A BUNDLE of RESOURCES

6 Resources
Learn about the ancient Egyptians with these resources(which you can also purchase individually): 1. Egypt: A Unit of Study includes notes, activities, links, web quest and more. 2. King Tut: A Reader's Theater Script 3. Ramses the Great: A Reading Passage 4. Hatshepsut: First Female Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, a Reading Passage 5. Mummies of the World: A Webquest 6. Egyptian Puzzler: Review Activity using vocabulary terms on Egypt.
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…