Recent Articles in Character Building Scripts, Grades 3-5

Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Original) (R = 2.8)
Apr 7, 2020

Some of our Script Buffet Club members have requested Readers Theater scripts based on Biblical literature.  "Silver and Gold?  Lame Man Healed! (Original)" comes from the Book of Acts.  Is healing still valid today?  You decide.  Like our other scripts this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  But, one section of the curriculum links focuses on Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker born without arms or legs.  Nick was bullied, lonely, and depressed;  however, as an overcomer he now encourages students around the globe.  The links on Nick include part of his story in words and in videos.  Perfect for elementary students in grades 2, 3, and 4, this original script and the annotated curriculum links will inspire you and your students. 

TIME:  4 min.        CAST: 5-6+ (optional chorus)       TONE:  upbeat     READABILITY:  grade 2.8

Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Advanced) (R = 3.5)
Apr 7, 2020

Some of our Script Buffet Club members have requested Readers Theater scripts based on Biblical literature.  "Silver and Gold?  Lame Man Healed!" comes from the Book of Acts.  Is healing still valid today?  You decide.  Like our other scripts this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  But, one section of the curriculum links focuses on Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker born without arms or legs.  Nick was bullied, lonely, and depressed;  however, as an overcomer he now encourages students around the globe.  The links on Nick include part of his story in words and in videos.  Perfect for elementary students in grades 3, 4 and 5, this script and the annotated curriculum links will inspire you and your students. 

TIME:  4 min.        CAST: 5-6+ (optional chorus)       TONE:  upbeat     READABILITY:  grade 3.5

Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Simplified) (R = 1.7)
Apr 7, 2020

Some of our Script Buffet Club members have requested Readers Theater scripts based on Biblical literature.  "Silver and Gold?  Lame Man Healed!" comes from the Book of Acts.  Is healing still valid today?  You decide.  Like our other scripts this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  But, one section of the curriculum links focuses on NickVujicic, a motivational speaker born without arms or legs.  Nick was bullied, lonely, and depressed;  however, as an overcomer he now encourages students around the globe.  The links on Nick include part of his story in words and in videos.  Perfect for primary students in grades 2 and 3, this simplified script and the annotated curriculum links will inspire you and your students. 

TIME:  4 min.        CAST: 5-6+ (optional chorus)       TONE:  upbeat     READABILITY:  grade 1.7

The Ants and the Tortilla (Advanced) R=5.6
Dec 15, 2018

Character-building fun from a Mexican fable?  Why not?  "The Ants and the Tortilla" Readers Theater script is roughly adapted from a Mexican fable and the children's book The Little Red Ant and the Great Big Crumb.  This Readers Theater script works well for cross-curricular lessons or unit studies on ants, insects, Mexico, fables, and even Hispanic culture or literature.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "The Ants and the Tortilla" is perfect for elementary students in grades 3, 4, or 5,  middle schoolers, and ELL or ESL students.  This script also comes in a simplified version with a readability of grade 1.3 as well as the original version with a readability of grade 4.7.  WARNING:  May cause giggles.

TIME:  about 6 1/2 min     CAST:  3-10+       TONE:  serious and light       READABILITY: grade 5.6 

Harriet Tubman, Alias Moses: The Swamp Mystery (Simplified) (R = 2.1)
May 14, 2018

Would your students enjoy getting to know a heroine from Black History?  "Harriet Tubman, Alias Moses:  The Swamp Mystery" is #2 in our true-to-life Readers Theater scripts from the original biography of Harriet Tubman by Sarah Bradford (1869).  Harriet Tubman told Mrs. Bradford the story of her life, including some of her adventures as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. 

Join an adventurous trip with Harriet Tubman and some escaped slaves–including twin babies–in this exclusive member's only Readers Theater script with annotated curriculum links for lesson plans. 

TIME:  about 5 min.         CAST:  5-7+            TONE:  serious and reflective          READABILITY:  grade 2.1

Harriet Tubman, Alias Moses: Joe's Journey (Simplified) (R = 3.4)
Feb 10, 2018

Would your students enjoy meeting a heroine from Black History?  "Harriet Tubman, Alias Moses:  Joe's Journey (Simplified)" is a true-to-life Readers Theater script from the original biography of Harriet Tubman by Sarah Bradford (1869).  Harriet Tubman told Mrs. Bradford the story of her life, including some of her adventures as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.   Harriet had a strong faith in God and this script is true to her story.  Join an adventurous trip with Harriet Tubman and some escaped slaves–including Joe–in this free Readers Theater script with curriculum links for lesson plans.  This is the Simplified version of our original script.  (The original version has a readability of grade 4.2.)

TIME:  about 9 1/2 minutes  CAST:  8-12  TONE:  somber with joy   READABILITY:  grade 3.4

The Dog and the Wolf (R=2.7)
May 4, 2017

Another script in our series on Aesop's Fables, "The Dog and the Wolf" creates a conflict with no real resolution.  Who is right?  Let your students decide.  This flexible script could be used with any age level.  Younger students will enjoy the story.  Older students will appreciate the thought-provoking discussions you may choose. This serious script with a few light-hearted lines explores deeper issues suitable for grades 3-5, 6-8, and up.  You could include it in a study on slavery and the Underground Railroad or just keep it as a fun story by Aesop.  "The Dog and the Wolf" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2017.) What moral do your students suggest for this Readers Theater script? 

TIME: 3 1/2 min.     CAST: 4      TONE: serious and light       READABILITY: grade 2.7

(Note:  This script is included in our coming Store product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1".)

The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey (R = 2.6)
May 4, 2017

Ask your students, "Can you ever please everybody?"  Then let them enjoy this humorous adaptation of another of Aesop's Fables, "The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey–Crazy?" This Readers Theater script has many parts, but we show you how to easily combine parts for fewer readers. It's perfect for primary students, struggling readers, or ESL (ESOL) classes.  Older students will also enjoy interpreting the characters. "The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey–Crazy?" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2017.)  Use it with some of our other Readers Theater fables for a program featuring Aesop's Fables.  (Note:  This script is part of our coming Flexi-Curric™ Store Product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1.") 

TIME:  about 3 minutes  CAST: 2-12  TONE: light   READABILITY: 2.6

The Beaver and the Lumberjack (R=3.3)
May 4, 2017

Short.  Spunky!  Character building. "The Beaver and the Lumberjack" Readers Theater is adapted from one of Aesop's Fables.  The original Aesop's Fable is known as "The Honest Woodcutter," "The Honest Woodman," "The Golden Axe," "Mercury and the Woodsmen," and more. Part of our character building category,"The Beaver and the Lumberjack" comes with vocabulary and annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2021.)  (Note:  This script is included in our Flexi-Curric™ TPT Store product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1".)

 If you like simple fun for a small groups it should be perfect!  Or, use the script chorally with two groups reading the character parts and the teacher reading the narrator parts.  Although the readability is grade 3, Aesop's Fables are classic, so this script motivates students in grades 2-8.  Use it as a springboard for discussion–even in middle school. 

TIME: 3 minutes    CAST: 2-4 (or 2 choral groups plus narrator)  TONE:  varies (sad and light)   READABILITY: grade 3.3

The Rooster and the Fox (R=4.2)
May 4, 2017

What's a wise rooster to do with a sly fox interested in rooster pancakes?  Find out in this entertaining Readers Theater script adapted from one of Aesop's fables.  Casting suggestions show you how to perform the script with 2, 3, or 4 readers or choral groups.  Perfect for grades 3-8, "The Rooster and the Fox" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2017.)  (Note:  This script is included in our coming Flexi-Curric™ STORE product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1".)

TIME:  about 2 minutes  CAST: 2–4  TONE:  light, with the fabled twist   READABILITY: Grade 4.2

The Frogs Who Wished for a King (R = 2.5)
May 4, 2017

Are you looking for a script for a variety of readers at different reading levels?  "The Frogs Who Wished for a King," has a few stimulating vocabulary words for three characters (e.g.,  Señor Sage Frog).  But, this Readers Theater adaptation of Aesop's Fable includes a frog chorus for challenged readers, too (e.g., "Ribbit.  Ribbit.  Ribbit.  Zing!").  Aesop does not mention an election in his story, but our Reader's Theater adaptation includes one where the frog chorus cheers, "Bubba!  Bubba!  Bubba!..." Keep the discussion light, or dig deeper because historically this Aesop's fable has had political undertones. Perfect for grades 2-8, "The Frogs Who Wished for a King" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2017.)  (Note:  This script is included in our coming Flexi-Curric™ Store product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol 1.")  

TIME:  9 1/2 min  CAST: 2-9+  TONE:  serious & light  READABILITY:  grade 2.5

The Council of Mice (R = 2.8)
May 4, 2017

Adapted from Aesop's Fables for Readers Theater, "The Council of Mice" provides an opportunity for a wide range of readers to participate in the fun.  The "Council" functions as a chorus in this creative twist on a sometimes familiar story.  Casting suggestions show you how to adapt the script so any number of readers.  Perfect for grades 2-8, "The Council of Mice" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Note:  This script is part of our coming Flexi-Curric™ STORE product , "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1".)   

TIME:  about 5 1/2 minutes  CAST:  2-9+  TONE: somewhat light  READABILITY:  grade 2.8