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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.
The Arctic!(A webquest/Extension Activities)
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The Arctic!(A webquest/Extension Activities)

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The Arctic!Geographical web quest which introduces kids to the region of the Earth known as the Arctic. There are 14 web quests(with lots of information in the questions), Did You Know? facts, comprehension questions(including several “thought question”), a teacher page with a number of extension activities, additional links and key.Great for a Friday activity, before a vacation, or when you are looking for a geography resource. Also check out my ANTARCTIC resource: Geographical web quest which introduces kids to the continent of Antarctica. There are 10 web quests(with lots of information in the questions), 14 Did You Know? facts, comprehension questions(including several “thought question”), a teacher page with a number of extension activities, additional links and key.Great for a Friday activity, before a vacation, or when you are looking for a geography resource.
Italy and Rome(Country in Focus: An Internet Activity)
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Italy and Rome(Country in Focus: An Internet Activity)

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Studying the Ancient Romans? Looking for a Friday Activity to introduce students to countries of the world? Part of my Country in Focus Series, this web quest covers the country of Italy and the ancient Romans. Students will learn about the contributions of the people from Italy, famous people, places to visit and more. There are 11 web questions, a map skill activity on Italy, a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions and a Teacher Page with Looking for an internet activity that includes 10 extension activities, additional links and the keys.
Sir Edmund Hillary: A Reading Passage/Activity Resource
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Sir Edmund Hillary: A Reading Passage/Activity Resource

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Looking for a reading passage and activities on Sir Edmund Hillary? 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 Sir Edmund Hillary, mountaineer, humanitarian and explorer. Also included are Did You Know? Fun Facts, Comprehension Questions, a Map Activity and a Teacher Page with extension activities. The reading passage activity could also be a lesson for a substitute or for a Friday activity. Check out my resource on Mt. Everest, too. In 1923, English mountaineer George Mallory was asked,”Why do you want to climb Mt. Everest?” HIs response, “Because it’s there.” Thousands has been trying to summit the world’s highest mountain peak since this time. Learn about Mt. Everest, Nepal and the Yeti with this webquest! Lots of extension activities,interesting facts and comprehension questions are included. arts. 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), Sojourner Truth(abolitionist, Women’s Rights Activist, Author), Mary Anning (paleonotologist) ,Joan of Arc(military leader),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). Other Reading Passages: George Washington and the Camel Calvin Coolidge and the “Pennsylvania Avenue Zoo” John Quincy Adams Takes a Swim Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese Sojourner Truth Santa Fe Trail: Wind WagonThomas Revolutionary War Heroine: Catherine “Kate” Moore Barry(Battle of Cowpens) Enheduanna, First Known Poet in History Artemisia(Female Naval Commander during the Battle of Salamis) Hanno: Phoenician Explorer Ramses the Great Hatshpsut Hammurabi Alexander the Great Aesop Socrates Hannibal Hypatia: First Woman Mathematician Aglaonike(Greek astronomer) Agnodice(First Female Doctor of Ancient Greece) Julius Caesar Archimedes Sparticus Diocles Joan of Arc Phillis Wheatley Mary Anning Caroline Herschel Sophie Brahe: Astronomer and Horticulturist Hildegard of Bingen(Middle Ages) Aida de Acosta(First Woman to Fly a Powered Aircraft) Women’s Suffrage: The Silent Sentinels History of Pretzels History of Marshmallows History of Tulips Snowmen in History History of April Fools’ Day Great Wall of China Eiffel Tower Ayres Rock(Uluru) Taj Mahal Travel to Iceland Travel to Greece Travel to Japan Price
Michelle Obama: A Reader's Theater Script
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Michelle Obama: A Reader's Theater Script

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Use this fun/informative play to learn about First Lady Michelle Obama. Discussion questions,comprehension questions and extension activities are also included.Skill including speech and listening and reading for information.
Marian Anderson:  A Reader's Theater Script
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Marian Anderson: A Reader's Theater Script

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Use this informative Reader’s Theater Script to learn about Marian Anderson, one of the most important singers of the 20th century. Anderson also played an important role in overcoming prejudice toward African American artists. In 1955, she was the first African American to sing at the New York Metropolitan Opera. She participated in the famous March on Washington, in 1963, and was also a “goodwill ambassadress for the United Nations, performing all over the world . Great for Black History Month in February or Women’s History Month in March. Comprehension questions/extension activities, key.
Japan...Learn about the Land of the Rising Sun(Unit of Study)
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Japan...Learn about the Land of the Rising Sun(Unit of Study)

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Covering Japan? I taught a unit of study on the country of Japan for 32 years and would love to share some my notes, activities and resources I used with my students. This resource is for teachers to use to introduce the country/culture of Japan to their students. There is also an activity page with 10 web quest, a map skill activity and some fun facts about Japan. Other resources that go along with my unit on Japan: 1. If you’d like to have a reading in the content area for social studies, Travel to Japan, may be just the thing for a classroom lesson! The reading takes students(grades 4-8) on a trip to Japan to learn about its geography, customs and places to see. There are also extension activities,a map skill activity and comprehension questions to use with your students as well as a list of resources. Japan, Travel to Japan Reading Activity 2. Want a fun activity to review vocabulary terms for a unit on Japan? Looking for an enrichment activity in history? Try my Japanese Puzzler: Secret Message Activity. The activity involves students working individually or in groups to review vocabulary terms on Japan. Then,a following direction activity is next where students place letters from the different terms into boxes found at the end of the activity page. Once all the boxes are filled, a “secret message” about Japan is revealed! The teacher page includes additional information to share about the “secret message”. It’s a fun way to reinforce important vocabulary for a unit of study on the Japan! If you prefer to offer a vocabulary box, I have included this as well.Japan Puzzler, A Secret Message Review Activity
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
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).
Hispanic Heritage(An Internet Activity)
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Hispanic Heritage(An Internet Activity)

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Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month(September 15-October 15th)with this fun/informative web question. There are 13 questions- famous people, customs, contributions are included. A Did You Know? section, comprehension questions, a Teacher Page with activities and key.
Jane Goodall: A Reader's Theater Script
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Jane Goodall: A Reader's Theater Script

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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)
Women's Suffrage: A Cross-country Road Trip for Women's Suffrage!( Reader's Theater Script)
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Women's Suffrage: A Cross-country Road Trip for Women's Suffrage!( Reader's Theater Script)

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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
Fake News! Developing Digital Critical Literacy with Kids! Possible Interactive Notebook Activity
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Fake News! Developing Digital Critical Literacy with Kids! Possible Interactive Notebook Activity

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The term FAKE News seems to be used a lot these days! April Fool’s Day is a great opportunity to begin a discussion with students on FAKE and REAL news. Possible Interactive Notebook Activity. A recent survey found that many young people(and adults for that matter) can’t seem to determine which is a real news story from a fake news story. We need to develop digital critical literacy with our students so they can try and determine the difference BEFORE they hit “send” to all their friends.
MONEY! Economics for Kids
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MONEY! Economics for Kids

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Use my notes, activities, fun facts and more to introduce kids to being good consumers. Great for an end of the term or a week before vacation or when you’d like to do something with lots of hands-on activities. Concepts include: competition/monopoly, scarcity, bartering,advertising,reading labels, history of money and more. Key Words: Economic Resource,Economics, Consumers, Money
April Fools' Day! Reading Passage and More
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April Fools' Day! Reading Passage and More

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NOTE: April Fools’ Day and April Fool’s Day are both used but sources say April Fools’ Day is more correct to use. Great Activity to Introduce students to REAL vs. FAKE News Identification! Want to introduce your students to the history of April Fools’ Day? This resource provides a reading for students as well as lots of interesting famous April Fools’ Day pranks such as this one that happened in Switzerland in 1957.A news show aired a video on a spaghetti harvest in the country of Switzerland. People were pulling strands of spaghetti dangling down from trees. People actually called the news show asking how they could purchase a spaghetti tree! Additionally, there are extension activities as well as a Test your April Fools’ Day IQ(can you spot the True News Stories from the Fake ones?). There are also comprehension questions for the students to answer after reviewing the resource.One class period for Grades 4 and up. This Resource Goes well with April Fool’s Day: Check out my Resource on Digital Critical Thinking(Is that FAKE News?) Is That FAKE New?
Asian American and Pacific Islander(AAPI) Heritage Month(A Webquest)
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Asian American and Pacific Islander(AAPI) Heritage Month(A Webquest)

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There is a Black History Month, Native Americans Heritage Month, a Hispanic American Month and a Woman’s History Month. Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month is a time to highlight the contributions of these groups of people to the culture of the United States. It is celebrated in the month of May but could be used throughout a school year whenever you are wishing to highlight contributions of famous people to our world. Other resources of Interest: Native Americans Heritage Month:Webquest Black History Month:(Webquest) Hispanic Heritage Month: A Webquest Women’s History Month:
Abraham Lincoln(A Reader's Theater Script)
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Abraham Lincoln(A Reader's Theater Script)

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Use this informative Reader’s Theater Script to learn about Abraham Lincoln. The fun/informative play uses the format of Abraham Lincoln being a guest on a talk show and the studio audience asks questions about his life. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series. Comprehension questions, a Did You Know? Section and a Teacher Page with extension activities. I also have a webquest on Abraham Lincoln. I also have a play on Mary Todd Lincoln.
Holiday Traditions from Around the World
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Holiday Traditions from Around the World

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Whenever different cultures meet, ideas are exchanged. Did you know that skiing was started by the people of Norway? Did you know that the kite and fireworks were invented by the people of China? The idea of Trial by Jury and the idea of Democracy come to us from the Ancient Greeks. Chocolate came from the Aztecs people and the ancient Mesopotamian people first came up with a number system based on 60. During the holidays is a great time to share with kids the many traditions which have been shared with different cultures. Learn the history behind some popular holiday traditions with this webquest.