Judge for Yourself: Famous American Trials for Readers Theatre

by Suzanne I. Barchers

Overview

Ten readers theatre scripts based on some of the most famous, sensational trials in U.S. history provide a fascinating glimpse into our past and our justice system. These compelling dramas are based on actual trial proceedings, and have been adapted to the interest and reading level of students in upper elementary and middle school. Details of the crime have been incorporated into the trial format allowing the story to unfold through the eyes of the jury. The verdict is detailed in a separate section, allowing students to decide what the outcome should be. These scripts are wonderful tools for enhancing history, social studies, civics, humanities, or the English program. They sharpen critical thinking skills through the deliberation process; help build and refine reading, oral presentation, and performance skills.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781563089596
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/11/2004
Series:	Readers Theatre
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.38(d)
Age Range:	11 - 17 Years

About the Author

Suzanne I. Barchers, EdD, is the author of two college textbooks, over 20 readers theatre and teacher resource books, and more than 100 educational books for children. She is past president of the Association of Educational Publishers and serves on the PBS Kids Next Generation Advisory Board. Barchers has served as a public school teacher, affiliate faculty for the University of Colorado-Denver, acquisitions editor for Teacher Ideas Press, editor and chief of Leapfrog, and managing editor at Weekly Reader. Barchers writes and consults from her home.

Table of Contents

Ten readers theatre scripts based on some of the most famous, sensational trials in U.S. history provide a fascinating glimpse into our past and our justice system. These compelling dramas are based on actual trial proceedings, and have been adapted to the interest and reading level of students in middle and secondary school. Details of the crime have been incorporated into the trial format allowing the story to unfold through the eyes of the jury. The verdict is detailed in a separate section, allowing students to decide what the outcome should be. These scripts are wonderful tools for enhancing history, social studies, civics, humanities, or the English program. They sharpen critical thinking skills through the deliberation process and help build and refine reading, oral presentation, and performance skills.

Trials include: · The Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy Trial · The United States vs. Susan B. Anthony · The Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. Lizzie Borden · The Trial of the White Sox Scandal of 1919 · The Trial of David C. Stephenson: Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan · The United States of America vs. Al Capone