This set of 5 'group readers' on the Ancient Greeks cover:
1. The Gods
2. The Olympics – Ancient and Modern
3. The Arts
4. War
5. Greek Theater
And delivers them via 6 speakers each. Thus for a class of 30, there are 5 groups of 6 children. (For a smaller class size, a mini play may be dropped or the speakers re-allocated). Each 'mini play' comes with a quiz - an excellent assessment tool and means of focusing attention on actual learning content. I describe these plays as 'group readers' or guided reading materials; or readers' theater, as the scripts can be read as opposed to memorized, with no props.
Please note: Teaching time of 40 minutes is very approximate, depending on time spent on reading and answering quiz questions.
I have written a set of group readers to ‘compliment’ every ‘traditional’ class play I have written. The focus of these mini plays is more on reading than performing, which is why I refer to them as ‘Readers Theater’ and I see them as a wonderful classroom resource, delivering the curriculum via role play. I have used this format with classes I have taught and know first-hand how well this innovative form of teaching works. For the complete collection of group readers I have written (and traditional class plays), visit my website www.plays-r-ussell.com
Ancient Greek Guided Reading, Group Readers or Readers Theater by Sue Russell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.
I do not believe this is appropriate for 3rd grade. I wish there had been more material included in the sample. I would not have spent $18 on it for my classroom.
However, I do see where it was nicely written and would be appropriate for older children.
September 24, 2009
I apologise for not making clearer the age group this set of plays was appropriate for. It was based on Units 14 & 15 in the UK History curriculum and I recognise that only UK teachers would understand that's primarily for year 6. I'm sorry, I should have ticked more boxes and made this clearer. Thank you for pointing this out - I will set about clarifying appropriate age group for my other scripts - they tend to be rather more for Grades 4/5 upwards because of the volume of text. Thanks again for advice - appreciated. Regards Sue
September 25, 2009
Help
I taught in the U.K. for 15 years - temporary and permanent positions plus supply/substitute teaching. I taught all year groups at primary/elementary level and have done some substitute teaching since arriving in the USA. My degree was in History so I always particularly enjoyed teaching this subject, and creating class plays/assemblies around what I was teaching in the classroom - whether it be Ancient Egyptians or King Henry VIII and his Six Wives!
