Readers Theatre For American History »

ANTHONY D. FREDERICKS has written more than 20 books for Teacher Ideas Press. A former reading specialist and classroom teacher, he is currently professor of education, York College, York, Pennsylvania. Tony is the author of more than 65 teacher resource books, over 30 award-winning children's books, and several trade books on effective teaching.

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.

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.