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Gail Hennessey's Teacher Emporium

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(based on 43 reviews)

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.
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).
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.
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.
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?
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.
Elizabeth Blackwell: A Reader's Theater Script
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Elizabeth Blackwell: A Reader's Theater Script

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Today, there are many women in the medical profession but Elizabeth was the very first woman doctor in not just the United States, but in England, too! It wasn’t easy becoming the first woman to get her degree in medicine. Still Elizabeth didn’t give up and worked even harder to change the opinions of people who thought she could never become a doctor. Great for Women’s History Month or if you are looking for a biography activity to use with your students. This fun/informative play uses the format of Blackwell being a guest on a talk show and the studio audience asks questions about her life. Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series.Includes: Comprehension/Did You Know?section extension activities/links/key. Other plays in the Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series: Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Sacagawea, Sequoia, Michelangelo, DaVinci, Tuskegee Airmen, Susan B. Anthony, William Shakespeare, Love Brewster(one of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower), interview with McSean, a leprechaun, interview with Sarsaparilla,a groundhog.More to be added… Thanks for your purchase of this resource! Gail
Mathew Brady: A Reader's Theater Script on the "Father of Photojournalism"
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Mathew Brady: A Reader's Theater Script on the "Father of Photojournalism"

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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. Whether you are studying the Civil War or just looking for a Reader’s Theater Script on a famous person to use on a Friday, for a substitute or before a holiday, this play would be a great addition to your classroom! The resource also includes a Did You Know? section of fun facts on the topic, comprehension questions, a Timeline activity on the Civil War and a Teachers Section with extension activities, additional links and the key. Additional resources of Interest:** Civil War: An Internet Activity On April 12th, 1861 the Civil War began.The long and bloody war that ended in 1865, took the lives of over 600,000 soldiers leaving more than 1,100,000 soldiers injured. Learn about the Civil War with this webquest. Each of the 11 questions have lots of information.I’ve also included a number of extension activities and resource links. The webquest comes with the key: Civil War: A Webquest 2. Harriet Tubman: 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 **3. Abraham Lincoln: **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: Abraham Lincoln, A Reader’s Theater Script
George Washington Carver: A Reader's Theater Script
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George Washington Carver: A Reader's Theater Script

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Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series: Students learn about George Washington Carve,the Wizard of Tuskegee, with this informative Reader’s Theater Script. As a guest on Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show, Carver answers questions from the studio audience about his life. Carver was an early believer in recycling and believed in the importance of respecting nature. Includes:Comprehension questions,Did You Know?, Teacher page with extension activities. Other plays in the Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series: Thomas Edison, Jacques Cousteau,Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Sacagawea, Sequoia, Michelangelo, DaVinci, Tuskegee Airmen, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Blackwell, Interview with Simon-victim of the Black Death,William Shakespeare, Love Brewster(one of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower), interview with McSean, a leprechaun, interview with Sarsaparilla,a groundhog.More to be added…
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:
Constitution : An Interview with James Madison" Father of the Constitution": Reader's Theater Script
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Constitution : An Interview with James Madison" Father of the Constitution": Reader's Theater Script

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Constitution Day is September 17th each year(except for 2017) when the day falls on a Sunday and will be celebrated on September 18th. This play would be a great addition to your lessons about the U.S. Constitution. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografe series of plays, this Reader’s Theater Script is on the “Father of the Constitution”, James Madson(1751-1836), and his sharing with students the history of the writing of the Constitution. Madison who would become the 4th President of the United States(1809-1817)), played a very important role in the forming of our US Constitution. In addition to being a delegate, he introduced the first additions to the Constitution(amendments) which came to be known as the Bill of Rights. With 13 audience questioners, a Did You Know Section, comprehension questions, a Teacher Page with extension activities, key and additional links, students will learn about the writing of our important government document, the Constitution. Other plays in the Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series: Dr. Seuss, Charles Dickens, Johnny Appleseed, Albert, 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 , Albert Einstein, Rachel Carson, Katherine Johnson and more.
Women's  History Webquest!
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Women's History Webquest!

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Do your students ask why more women aren’t mentioned in history books?This web quest contains informational text on 15 women who have made contributions to our world. Elizabeth Blackwell,Clara Barton,Amelia Earhart,Susan B Anthony,Sally Ride,Rosa Parks,Jane Goodall,Eleanor Roosevelt,Marie Curie and Sacagawea.Extension links/activities,key. Reading for info research/computer skills. Great for any time of the year or specifically during March(Women’s History Month).
Charles Dickens: A Reader's Theater Script
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Charles Dickens: A Reader's Theater Script

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Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, students will be introduced to the life of Charles Dickens, one of the most famous writers of all time. There are 11 questioners in the play as well as a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key. Great for a unit of study on Charles Dickens, at Christmas Time when you may be covering A Christmas Carol or as a famous biography activity. I also have an internet activity on Charles Dickens.
William Shakespeare: A Reader's Theater Script
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William Shakespeare: A Reader's Theater Script

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Considered to be the greatest writer of the English language, learn about William Shakespeare with this fun/informative play. Shakespeare introduced about 3000 words to the English language . It is said that next to the Bible, his works are the most quoted! Great for Language Arts, study on the Renaissance or on a Friday or day before a holiday when you’d like to introduce your students to famous people with a biography activity. The fun/informative play uses the format of Shakespeare 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. Also includes: Comprehension/Did You Know?section, LOTS of extension activities/links/key. Other resources of interest: Check out my web quest on Charles Dickens:Today, a person who is very tight with money, is often called a scrooge, after, the main character in A Christmas Carol. Did you know that several other words and phrases were coined by Charles Dickens? Words such as abuzz, flummox, the creeps,round the clock and whiz-bang are credited with Dickens. Other words that Dickens helped to popularize include, kibosh, butter-fingers,boredom,messiness,squashed,bah humbug,and tousled. Here’s another interesting fact about Charles Dickens.Someone said that if you counted all the words which Dickens used in his writing, it was an amazing 4.6 million different words! One of the most famous writers of all times,Dickens also wrote Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield and more. My webquest includes 8 fun/informative questions to learn about Dickens. Additional activities/links,too. Charles Dickens, A Webquest This reader’s theater play introduces kids to fairy tale writer,Hans Christian Andersen. His story, The Ugly Duckling, some say was actually about him. Great activity for Anti-Bullying Month in October to go along with reading of this fairytale. Comprehension questions, discussion questions, extension activities and resources are included. Hans Christian Andersen, A Reader’s Theater Script I also have a fun/informative Reader’s Theater Script on Charles Dickens. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, students will be introduced to the life of Charles Dickens, one of the most famous writers of all time. There are 11 questioners in the play as well as a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key.Charles Dickens, A Reader’s Theater Script Use this fun/informative play uses the format of Edgar Allan Poe 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. Also includes: Comprehension/Did You Know?section, LOTS of extension activities/links/key. Louisa May Alcott:
Christopher Columbus: A Reader's Theater Script
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Christopher Columbus: A Reader's Theater Script

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Learn about Christopher Columbus with this informative play. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, three historians are asked by 13 audience questioners about the life of Columbus. Additionally, comprehension questions and discussion questions are included. Use with a unit on the Age of Discovery, during October for Columbus Day or for a Friday, Biography Day!
Edgar Allan Poe: A Reader's Theater Script
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Edgar Allan Poe: A Reader's Theater Script

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An American short story writer and poet, Poe, is remembers for such stories as Murder in the Rue Morgue ,The Tell Tale Heart and The Fall of the House of Usher. Poe’s poem, The Raven, is considered the most famous poem in American history! Edgar Allan Poe is considered to be one of the first science fiction writers and first writer of the modern detective story. Use this Reader’s Theater Script to introduce students to this famous American Writer. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, there are 8 Audience Questioners who ask questions of Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest, Edgar Allan Poe. There is a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions and a Teacher Page with extension activities and the key. Other resources on famous writers: You may also be interested in my biographical play on Hans Christian Andersen. This reader’s theater play introduces kids to fairy tale writer,Hans Christian Andersen. His story, The Ugly Duckling, some say was actually about him. Great activity for Anti-Bullying Month in October to go along with reading of this fairytale. Comprehension questions, discussion questions, extension activities and resources are included. 2.This fun/informative play uses the format of William Shakespeare being a guest on a talk show. A studio audience asks him questions about his life. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series. Also includes: Comprehension/Did You Know?section, LOTS of extension activities/links/key. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, students will be introduced to the life of Charles Dickens, one of the most famous writers of all time. There are 11 questioners in the play as well as a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key.
Jules Verne: A Reader's Theater Script
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Jules Verne: A Reader's Theater Script

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Learn about Jules Verne, called the “father of science fiction”. Note: This is also given to H.G. Wells. The Ms. Bie Ografee Reader’s Theater Script has Jules Verne as a guest on her talk show. Lots of interesting information on his life and contributions to literature. Also includes a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions, a teacher page with some extension activities, links and the key. Mrs. Bie Ografee Talk Show Reading Theater Scripts: Vikings Ferdinand Magellan Marco Polo Christopher Columbus Leonardo da Vinci Michelangelo Visit with a Crusader Visit with a Victim of the Black Death Martin Luther King Jr. Rosa Parks Harriet Tubman George Washington Carver Katherine Johnson Tuskegee Airmen Marian Anderson Marie Curie Galileo Galilei Sir Isaac Newton Albert Einstein Jane Goodall Moon Landing: Interview with first astronauts to walk on the moon Rachel Carson Jacques Cousteau Thomas Edison Visit with a Pilgrim Revolutionary War Female Spies Revolutionary War Tory Thomas Jefferson James Madison, Father of the Constitution Pioneer Woman, Narcissa Whitman Civil War Women Soldiers Sacagaewa Sequoyah Lewis and Clark Abraham Lincoln California Gold Rush: Visit with a ‘49er Wright Brothers A Road trip Across the USA for Women’s Suffrage WW 2: Women Pilots Elizabeth Blackwell Susan B. Anthony Sonia Sotomayor Ruth Bader Ginsburg Louisa May Alcott Edgar Allen Poe William Shakespeare Charles Dickens Johnny Appleseed Visit with a Leprechaun Visit with a Groundhog To Tell the Truth Plays: Hans Christian Andersen Elizabeth Blackwell Amelia Earhart First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt Elizabeth Blackwell First Lady Edith Wilson First Lady Florence Harding King Tut First Lady Hillary Clinton First Lady Michelle Obama First Lady Abigail Adams First Lady Martha Washington First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln First Lady Dolly Madison First Lady Lady Bird Johnson My website for teachers/kids has lots of geography activities, short reads, factoids on different topics, news, career surveys, bell ringers and more.