Play Script

Reader's Theater Multileveled Scripts: Westward Expansion

What a great way to bring history and literature to life with a class play. This book four different plays about different topics in the westward expansion time period. The plays are also at different levels so this same book could be used in a variety of different grade levels. I think this would be a good experience for students that are looking to participate more actively.

Reader's Theater Multileveled Scripts: Native American Tales

One of the goals of my unit is to show the Westward expansion from both the pioneer and American Indian perspectives. In keeping with this goal here is a collection of Native American Tales written as play scripts. The class could read the scripts aloud (each choosing a part) and then we could decide on one to perform.

Memoir and Biography

Little House on the Prairie

By Laura Ingalls Wilder

I think Little House on the Prairie is one of the most famous books about pioneer life. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote a lot of books about her experience growing up on the frontier. Since she is locally famous as well I hope that this book could connect with my students. It gives a first hand account of what life was really like for families during the westward expansion.

Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Biography

By William Anderson

This biography might be useful to read along with Little House on the Prairie to get a more full view of who Laura Ingalls Wilder is.

Picture Books

Dandelions

by Eve Bunting

This is a beautifully illustrated story about a family traveling to Nebraska by covered wagon. It is told from the perspective of a daughter, Zoe. Many of the hardships of life and travel at this time are part of the book. There is also a lot of everyday differences from modern life. For example they go to visit the neighbors- 3 hours away! I think it will help students to see it depicted in the illustrations.