Readers Theatre for American History: [Paperback]

Anthony D. Fredericks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2001 | ISBN-10: 1563088606 | ISBN-13: 978-1563088605

This participatory approach actively engages students in their own American history education. Arranged chronologically, these 24 readers theatre scripts put students in roles of selected historical figures, giving them a you are there perspective on the unfolding of critical milestones, memorable circumstances, and colorful venues that have shaped the American experience. Students can travel with a determined family along the Oregon Trail or to the moon with Neil Armstrong. Other opportunities to make history come alive include scripts having students work alongside Father Junipero Serra at Mission San Juan Capistrano and stand alongside Thomas Jefferson as he drafts the Declaration of Independence. Activity ideas and learning extensions follow each script.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Beginning with copious suggestions and ideas for preparing and presenting the scripts, Fredericks then provides directions for staging, using props, delivery, and post presentations. Scripts are presented in five parts and cover the land and early people of North America, the beginnings of a new nation, changes in the 19th century, new directions of the 20th century, and the recent challenges of the 20th and 21st centuries. A list of possible extensions to continue the historical lesson through research and discussion follows each script. Dialogue is simple yet engaging enough for students. Most scripts involve anywhere from 4 to 10 characters. Students should find American history more meaningful through fun and active participation in historical events, becoming major characters of history, and developing the ability to communicate through storytelling via readers theatre.

Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Book Description

Give students a you are there perspective on the unfolding of critical milestones, memorable circumstances, and colorful venues that have shaped the American experience. Arranged chronologically, these 24 readers theatre scripts put students in roles of selected historical figures where they can travel with a determined family along the Oregon Trail or to the moon with Neil Armstrong. Activity ideas and learning extensions follow each script.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited (April 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563088606
• ISBN-13: 978-1563088605
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #900,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Tony ([e-mail])is an award-winning children's author well known for his energetic, humorous, and highly informative school visits throughout North America. His dynamic presentations have captivated thousands of students in Canada, Mexico, and across the United States ' all with rave reviews!
Tony is a former elementary teacher and reading specialist. He is the author of more than 100 books, including more than three-dozen children's books. His children's titles include Under One Rock (2002 Nature and Ecology Award); Slugs (2000 Outstanding Science Trade Book), Bloodsucking Creatures, Around One Cactus (2004 Teacher's Choice Award), Near One Cattail (2006 Green Earth Book Award), and The Tsunami Quilt: Grandfather's Story among others. Forthcoming titles include A is for Anaconda: A Rainforest Alphabet and Dinosaur Droppings.
Fredericks is also the author of several teacher resource books including the perennial favorite Frantic Frogs and Other Frankly Fractured Folktales for Readers Theatre.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not teacher friendly, April 1, 2009

By 

TJM (south eastern usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Readers Theatre for American History (Kindle Edition)

I find that the Kindle is not very teacher friendly as The Readers Theater can not be printed out to use with the class. I deleted all my clippings and now still can not add to print the readers theater scripts for use in classes Permission from the Publisher has been used...And I didn't copy but maybe three full scripts....hope this can be fixed ...I love my Kindle and have been very fortunate to be one of the first to have one!