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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.
Moon Landing: Man Walks on the Moon! A Reader's Theater Script
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Moon Landing: Man Walks on the Moon! A Reader's Theater Script

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After 76 days, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, the astronauts for the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon, made history on July 20, 1969. After the Columbia reached the moon’s orbit, Armstrong and Aldrin went into a smaller module, the Eagle. They began a descent onto the surface of the moon and successfully landed on the moon where both men would become the first humans to actually walk on the moon. The date was July 21, 1969! Just think, from the first powered flight in 1903, it was just 66 years before we had humans walk on the moon! In 2019, it will be the 50th anniversary of this remarkable achievement! Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins are guests of Ms. Bie Ografee and her studio audience ask the guests questions about their historic trip to the moon. In addition to the play, with 10 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: Learn about the history of space with this informative web quest. There are 12 web questions, comprehension questions and extension activities: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/space-the-final-frontier-an-internet-activity-11941871 Learn about Astronaut John Glenn’s historic flight to become the first American to Orbit the Earth. Years later, he would also become the oldest American to go on the Space Shuttle! This biographical web quest also contains several questions about the early days of space exploration. There are several extension activities and the key: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/astronaut-john-glenn-a-webquest-internet-search-activity-11453536
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
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
Louisa May Alcott:Writer, Abolitionist, Suffragette(Reader's Theater Script)
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Louisa May Alcott:Writer, Abolitionist, Suffragette(Reader's Theater Script)

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Part of my Ms.Bie Ografee Talk Show series of Reader’s Theater Scripts, the guest is Louisa May Alcott. A “studio” audience asks Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest questions about her life and accomplishments. There are 11 audience questioners, a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key. Other Reader’s Theater Scripts on famous people in Literature: 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. Hans Christian Andersen, A Reader’s Theater Script (To Tell the Truth Play) 2.This fun/informative play uses the format of William Shakespeare, being a guest on a talk show. A studio audience asks questions to learn 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. William Shakespeare, A Reader’s Theater Script 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: 4. Edgar Allan Poe: An American short story writer and poet, Poe, is remembered 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. 5. Other Topics of Interest: Louisa May Alcott was a Suffragette. Read about the efforts of suffragettes to get the right to vote for women. 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. (1916) Reader’s Theater Script on the life of Susan B. Anthony.
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).
Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Justice(Reader's Theater Script)
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Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Justice(Reader's Theater Script)

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Learn about Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, only the 3rd woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court and the first Hispanic American to be on the Supreme Court. Students will also learn information about the Supreme Court. A great resource for Women’s History Month, a study of the Supreme Court, Hispanic Heritage Month, a Friday activity or as a substitute lesson. Extension activities included. There are 9 Audience Questioners in this Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series of Reader’s Theater Scripts. I also have a resource on the history of the Supreme Court and a Reader’s Theater Script on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Women Trailblazers: An Activity
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Women Trailblazers: An Activity

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There are many women who have made contributions that have shaped our world. Learn about some of these fascinating women with the following activity. There are 32 questions in the resource plus some additional information on women who have impacted our world. If you’d like a student version, just contact me. Also, if you’d like a version in Word, just ask for this, too. Great for a Friday activity and especially for Women’s History Month in March.
Ireland and St. Patrick's Day: A Challenge Activity
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Ireland and St. Patrick's Day: A Challenge Activity

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Learn about Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day with this “Challenge Activity”. There are 25 informative text questions where students test their knowledge on the answers about the country of Ireland and the holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. There are a few extension activities, too. Great for around St. Patrick’s Day or when you have a substitute or for a Friday activity to introduce students to a country of the world.
Hans Christian Andersen: A Freebie(Interactive Notebook Activity)
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Hans Christian Andersen: A Freebie(Interactive Notebook Activity)

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Use this freebie to have students learn about famous fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. Check out my Reader’s Theater Script on Hans Christian Andersen: The play is based on the Mark Goodson Production To Tell the Truth Game Show. To Tell the Truth was a popular television show which has returned with host Anthony Anderson(of Blackish). Three guests all claim to be the real guest being interviewed by a panel. The real guest must tell the truth where the other imposters do not have to do so. Kids must be “truth detectives” to determine just who is the REAL Hans Christian Andersen. Students in grades 4 and up will have fun acting out their parts and learning some interesting facts about fairy tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. Comprehension questions, discussion questions, extension activities and resources are included. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/hans-christian-andersen-a-reader-s-theater-script-11147855
Pi Day is Coming! 3/14
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Pi Day is Coming! 3/14

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Use this freebie to introduce students to fun facts about Pi. Four pages with activities for students to do after reviewing the information . Please consider following my TES Store especially if you are looking for history, science and language arts materials. :-) Looking for a reading about math? Check out this reading passage on Hypatia, the first known female mathematician: Hypatia Other Math/Science related resources: Reader’s Theater Script on Katherine Johnson, the Computer that Wore Skirts: Reader’s Theater Script on Albert Einstein: Reader’s Theater Script on Galileo: Reader’s Theater Script on Sir Isaac Newton: Reader’s Theater Script on Marie Curie: Hypathia Ada Lovelace
Constitution Day: September 17th- FREEBIE, Possible Interactive Notebook Activity
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Constitution Day: September 17th- FREEBIE, Possible Interactive Notebook Activity

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Constitution Day: CONSTITUTION! Learn some fun facts on the Constitution. Activity for Constitution Day! Each year, Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17th, unless the day falls on a Sunday. This is the date, in 1787, when delegates to the Constitutional Convention, signed the Constitution. They had met for 116 days, at the State House(now called Independence Hall), in Philadelphia, PA. Constitution Day is also called Citizenship Day. It’s a day to celebrate this important document of our nation! Check out these Did You Know? Fun Facts about the history of the Constitution. You may find this resource of interest: 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.Constitution. A Visit with James Madison,"Father of the Constitution, A Reader’s Theater Script Activity for Constitution Day. :-)
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.
Chocolate: Factoids(Interactive Notebook Activity)
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Chocolate: Factoids(Interactive Notebook Activity)

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Use this fun factoid activity on chocolate with your students on a Friday, for Valentine’s Day, a sub or when you are looking for a one-day activity. In additional to facts, there are question for the students to answer. A possible Interactive Notebook Activity to use with your students.
International Day of Peace Freebie
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International Day of Peace Freebie

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The International Day of Peace is held every year on September 21st. Also called Peace Day, the first celebration was adopted by the United Nations in 1982. It would be in 2001, that nations of the world established September 21st as International Day of Peace. In 2018, the theme for the International Day of Peace is “The Right to Peace.” At the United Nations, in New York City, the Japanese Peace Bell is rung to start the day. Made from coins collected by children from sixty countries, the Peace Bell has the following words engraved on the bell, “Long live absolute world peace”. There is a minute of silence at noon(at all time zones around the world). Possible Activities to use for International Day of Peace.