Included in the Tale of Johnny Town-mouse Readers’ Theatre Unit: 10 page script 7 characters 1-3 narrators 23 comprehension questions with answers 10 fill in the blanks questions with answers 8 words to unscramble from the story with answers Drawing conclusions about characters task Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist The Tale of Johnny Town-mouse synopsis: Country mouse, Timmy Willie, accidentally travels to the city, and meets Johnny Town-Mouse, his urban counterpart. When each mouse visits the other’s home, they discover the unfamiliar lifestyle—complete with frightening cats, cows, and lawnmowers—challenges their comfort. Their experiences lead both mice to a clear conclusion about where they truly belong. Will Timmy or Johnny decide to switch sides and live in their opposite environment? Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles.When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Tale of Johnny Town-mouse and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse Readers’ Theatre Unit: 9 page script 4 characters 1-3 narrators 17 comprehension questions with answers Drawing conclusions about characters task Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse synopsis: Mrs. Thomasina Tittlemouse, a fastidious wood mouse, is determined to maintain an orderly home. Her peaceful existence is disrupted by a parade of uninvited guests, including beetles, a ladybird, spiders, bees, and most troublesome of all, Mr. Jackson—a messy toad from the drain below. Babbity Bumble the beed has made a nest in the storeroom, creepy crawlers are hiding in the plate rack and Mr. Jackson is on a hopping quest for honey. How will Mrs. Tittlemouse struggle against this uncleanly chaos and the unwelcome visitors? Mr. Marvel’s Musings: I recommend the character of Babbity Bumble to an emerging reader or a nervous reader since he speaks in buzzing sounds. It will ease their nerves to participate as a character with simple dialogue. Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan Readers’ Theatre Unit: 14 page script 4 characters 1-3 narrators 14 comprehension questions with answers Drawing conclusions about characters task Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan synopsis: Ribby the cat invites Duchess the dog to her tea party. The last time Duchess attended, Ribby served a mouse and bacon pie. To not look rude at refusing pie, Duchess bakes a veal pie and plans to place it in the oven during the tea party. During the meal, Duchess says she has accidentally swallowed a tiny tin patty-pan. Ribby runs out and gets Dr. Maggotty to help her. How will the party end? Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles.When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre God bless you!

The Tale of Samuel Whiskers Readers’ Theatre Unit includes: 13 page script 9 characters 1-3 narrators 12 comprehension questions with answers Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist The Tale of Samuel Whiskers synopsis: A family of cats and their encounters with some rascally rats. Mrs. Tabitha Twitchit, a worried mother, searches for her mischievous son, Tom Kitten, who has decided to hide in the chimney on baking day. Tabitha finds her daughters, Moppet and Mittens, but Tom is still hidden, so Tabitha enlists the help of her cousin, Mrs. Ribby. Meanwhile, rats Samuel Whiskers and Anna Maria plot to turn Tom into a delicious roly-poly pudding after capturing him. Neighbour John Joiner is also enlisted and helps Tabitha and her family look for Tom. Will they find Tom before the rats turn him into pudding? Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles.When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Tale of Samuel Whiskers and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Tailor of Gloucester Readers’ Theatre Unit: 10 page script 6 characters 1-3 narrators 12 comprehension questions with answers 1 page glossary Drawing conclusions about characters task Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist The Tailor of Gloucester synopsis: Written in 1902 by Beatrix Potter. An elderly, impoverished tailor must complete an embroidered coat for the Mayor’s Christmas wedding, but lacks the final bit of thread needed. When his cat Simpkin hides the crucial twist in revenge for releasing the mice he had trapped, and illness confines the tailor to bed, the project seems doomed. The mice the tailor released decide to pay back the favour of freedom by trying to complete the coat. Will they be able to finish it before the Christmas wedding? Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles.When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Tailor of Gloucester and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Tale of Squirrel Nutkins Readers’ Theatre Unit: 5 page script 2 characters 3 narrators 14 comprehension questions with answers Drawing conclusions about characters task Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist The Tale of Squirrel Nutkins synopsis: Written in 1903 by Beatrix Potter. The Tale of Squirrel Nutkins follows an impertinent red squirrel named Nutkin who, along with his family, visits Owl Island each autumn to gather nuts. While the other squirrels politely bring gifts to the island’s owner, the formidable owl Old Brown, Nutkin dances about singing riddles and refusing to work. Day after day, Nutkin’s reckless behavior grows bolder, testing the owl’s patience. How long will Old Brown put up with Nutkins nutty behaviour and slothful manner? Find out in the Tale of Squirrel Nutkins readers’ theatre unit! Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles.When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies Readers’ Theatre Unit: 5 page script 5 characters 3 Narrators 15 Comprehension Questions with Answers Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies synopsis: Written in 1909 by Beatrix Potter, Benjamin Bunny and his cousin Flopsy are now married with six young rabbits. When the hungry Flopsy Bunnies raid Mr. McGregor’s rubbish heap for vegetables, they fall asleep and are captured. Their fate rests with a resourceful woodmouse named Thomasina Tittlemouse, who must act before Mr. McGregor carries them away in his sack for dinner. Will Thomasina be able to help the Flopsy Bunnies in time? Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles.When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Tale of Tom Kitten Readers’ Theatre Unit: 7 page script 3 characters 3 narrators 5 questions about defining vocabulary that was featured in the story 22 comprehension questions with answers Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist The Tale of Tom Kitten synopsis: Written in 1907 by Beatrix Potter. When Mrs. Tabitha Twitchit prepares to host a tea party, she carefully washes and dresses her three kittens—Mittens, Tom Kitten, and Moppet—warning them to stay clean. Moments later, the mischievous trio has soiled and lost their clothes while romping through the garden. The Puddle-ducks walk by and take the kittens clothing. What will Tabitha say and do when she sees her children in disarray? Find out in the Tale of Tom Kitten readers’ theatre unit! Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles.When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Tale of Tom Kitten and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Pierre and the Princess of Tomboso Readers’ Theatre Unit: 17 page script 9 characters 1-3 narrators 39 metacognitive questions Drawing Conclusions about Characters activity Book review writing task Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Pierre and the Princess of Tomboso synopsis: Pierre and his brothers inherit three magical objects after their father passes away: a purse that never runs out of money, a mantle that can transport the wearer anywhere, and a silver horn that can call forth an army of one-hundred thousand soldiers. Unfortunately, Pierre’s vanity gets the better of him, and he loses all three of these items to the sly and beautiful Princess of Tomboso. Realizing he has been tricked, Pierre must use his ingenuity to get the items back and outwit the princess once and for all. Will Pierre be able to get the items back from the sneaky princess of Tomboso? Find out in the Pierre and the Princess of Tomboso Readers’ Theatre unit! Mr. Marvel’s Musings: When Pierre returns to his brothers and tells them he lost their items, they break a branch from a tree and beat him. Princess Tomboso and her father order their guards to beat up Pierre when the princess tells her father that Pierre is a thief. Pierre says “Ow” and “OUCH” when he is being beaten up. There is no graphic violence depicted during or after the beating. Pierre gets up and walks away. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading Pierre and the Princess of Tomboso and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Basketball Superstars Readers’ Theatre Unit: 9 featured players (Pierce, Nash, McGrady, James, Howard, Garnett, Ginobili, Bryant, and Roy). 29 pages 30 comprehension questions that include short answer, fill in the blank, and true or false questions (with answer page) Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Basketball Superstars synopsis: Learn how the 9 featured players made an impact on the court; learned from their mistakes; and learned to be a team player. Quotations from the featured players and their teammates and coaches are included. Why is Garnett like a “battery”? - True or False: Bryant can speak Italian - what does Pierce do before playing a game? All these questions and many more are answered in the Basketball Superstars Readers’ Theatre Unit! Mr. Marvel’s Musings: I have a few sports fans in my classes and as much as they like reading scary stories and super hero stories, they enjoy reading about athletes more, so I have decided to create a unit for them and for the sports fans in your class. The students become excited speaking as and imitating their favourite sports superstars in this unit. The last question could be a research question. It asks who the readers favourite basketball player is. They are encouraged to consider what the player does on the player does on the court and how they positively impact their community outside of the arena. Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading Basketball Superstars and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Healing Spring Readers’ Theatre Unit: 14 page script 9 characters 1-3 narrators 34 metacognitive questions Drawing Conclusions about Characters activity Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist The Healing Spring: A Folk-tale from Nova Scotia synopsis: There are 2 brothers named Jack and Charlie. Jack is a hard-worker who does all his chores and helps his Mama. Charlie is lazy and is concerned with getting rich quick while ignoring his family and chores. One day, Charlie marries a wealthy woman and moves away. Mama becomes ill and Jack is the only person caring for her. Charlie now claims that he never had a brother. Mama passes on and Jack carries her to the graveyard. Along the way, a farmer is walking his new herd of sheep to his farm when the cattle suddenly stop and stare at Mama. Jack props Mama on her feet and tries to pass by. Angered by the cows staring at Mama, the farmer punches Mama and she falls. Not knowing she was dead, Jack takes advantage of the situation and tells the farmer that he killed Mama. Feeling sorry for his actions, the farmer gives his cattle to Jack. After burying Mama, Jack takes the cattle back home and meets his jealous brother. Jack tells Charlie that he sold Mama to a farmer in exchange for the cattle. Charlie decides to eliminate his wife and sell her. Once wife Allison has fallen for Charlie’s trap, he brings her to the market to sell until he is taken in by the police. Years later, Charlie is released and plots his revenge. What will Charlie do to Jack? Will the plan backfire and work in Jack’s favour? Find out in The Healing Spring! Mr. Marvel’s Musings: In the original story, the farmer shot Mama, so I changed it to punch since it is less violent and my students found it funny. Charlie tricks his wife Allison by having her go on top of their roof during a rain storm, causing her to fall. Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Healing Spring and continue to do so for many years. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a Horse Readers’ Theatre Unit: 218 page script divided among 49 chapters 82 characters Black Beauty Quiz: 60 questions with 4 possible answers Quiz answer page Black Beauty Chapter Questions consisting of: 1 True or False question 1 Fill in the Blank question 1 Short Answer question (The chapter questions can be but and glued into a note book or displayed to be copied or discussed or both) 12 Book Report Choice Board activites and a rubric Student Success Criteria page Student Friendly Goals page Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist

Included in the Jacques Came Back Readers’ Theatre Unit: 7 page script 5 characters 1-3 narrators Student Success Criteria Student Friendly Goals Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Drawing Conclusions about Characters Activity Jacques Came Back synopsis: Young Rene was given a fluffy white kitten that he lovingly named Jacques. One day, while Rene and his family are in the backyard, Jacques chases a mouse into the street and is run over by a truck. Rene’s parents are worried for their son, but Rene seems perfectly fine and happy… because he still sees Jacques in the house. Rene’s parents allow him to imagine Jacques, but after 1 month they begin to feel concerned. Will a visit to the hospital and a consultation with a specialist help Rene get over his grief… or has Jacques never left? Find out in the Jacques Came Back Readers’ Theatre Unit. Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles. When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading Jacques Came Back Theatre script. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Eaten Alive! A Whale of a Tale Readers’ Theatre Unit: 4 page script 4 characters 1-3 narrators Student Success Criteria Student Friendly Goals Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Drawing Conclusions about Characters Activity Eaten Alive! A Whale of a Tale! Synopsis: In 1891, James Bartley and his team of whale hunters have had a successful hunt. 2 whales try to flee Bartley and his team. One is killed while the other injured. The injured whale knows it is being pursued, so it quickly turns around and bites the whaling boat in half; swallowing Bartley in the process. One day, while gutting a whale, one of the whalers sees the image of a person in the whale’s stomach. Could it be Bartley? If it is Bartley… is he alive? What condition will the person be in after being eaten alive?! Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles. When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading Eaten Alive! A Whale of a Tale! Theatre script. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Lady Wonder: The Psychic Crime-Solving Horse Readers’ Theatre Unit: 6 page script 8 characters 1-3 narrators Student Success Criteria Student Friendly Goals Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Drawing Conclusions about Characters Activity Lady Wonder: The Psychic Crime-Solving Horse synopsis: In 1955, little Ronnie Weitcamp goes missing during a game of hide and seek with his friends. He goes deep into the forest asking his friend to chase him but is warned not to do so. Shortly thereafter, the police and Ronnie’s mother are searching for Ronnie, but they do not find him. The police have exhausted all leads in the case, so Officer Randolph suggests asking Lady Wonder, the psychic horse. She successfully solved a child disappearence years ago. Fearing nothing to lose, Detective Gary reluctantly travels to Lady Wonder’s stable for some answers. Stable keeper Martha warns Detective Gary that Lady Wonder is older now and may not answer any or all of his questions. Detective Gary takes out his notepad and proceeds to question Lady Wonder. Will it lead him to little Ronnie? Can Lady Wonder be trusted? Would you trust a horse to answer life or death questions? Find out in the Lady Wonder: The Psychic Crime-Solving Horse readers’ theatre unit! Mr. Marvel’s Musings: Lady Wonder (1924-1957) was a real horse that predicted events, elections, supposedly had psychic powers, and solved crimes. Your students can research the real Lady Wonder and see if she was legitmate in her findings and predictions or if they were suspicious. Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles. When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? I hope you, and your students enjoy reading Lady Wonder: The Psychic Crime-Solving Horse Theatre script. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Nightmare Farm Readers’ Theatre Unit: 11 page script 3 characters 1-3 narrators Student Success Criteria Student Friendly Goals Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Drawing Conclusions about Characters Activity Nightmare Farm synopsis: John Allen is riding his bicycle through a rural road in France when a thunderstorm roars above him. He trudges through the rain and mud looking for shelter, when he finds an old farm. He knocks and finds the door to be open. He enters and doesn’t find anyone there, so he makes himself at home. As John lights a fire, he hears doors opening and sees slime slithering towards him. Frightened by the encroaching slime, John abandons the warmth of the farmhouse and retreats into the rain on foot. He enters a tavern where the innkeeper pities him for entering the farmhouse due to its haunted reputation. The next day, the innkeeper informs John of the origins of the haunted farmhouse. John also consults paraphsychologist Morgan Fayette as he tries to take his bicycle back from the haunted farmhouse. Will John be able to regain his bicycle from the supernatural forces? Who was the mysterious man who lived in the farmhouse and what became of him? Find out in the Nightmare Farm readers’ theatre unit! Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading Nightmare Farm Readers’ Theatre script. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Cursed Passenger of the Titanic Readers’ Theatre Unit: 6 page script 5 characters 1-3 narrators 2 page epilogue containing historical facts about the Titanic (What happened to Stead and the Straus couple), Princess Amen-Ra, and nautical disasters. Student Success Criteria Student Friendly Goals Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Drawing Conclusions about Characters Activity The Cursed Passenger of the Titanic synopsis: Some of the greatest events in history seem cursed before they have even begun. Sometimes that curse has been waiting 3000 years to come true! In 1890, the tomb of Princess Amen-Ra was discovered. When she was brought out, everyone who was in her proximity was cursed: the archeologists, the movers and the museum staff. Misfortune struck them or to the people around them. The legend of the curse of Amen-Ra made people fearful of the tomb. One day, an archeologist across the Atlantic requested the coffin, so Amen-Ra was placed on the Titanic, unbeknownst to the passengers. On board the Titanic are the the congressman and the banker, the Straus couple. They meet famous writer William Stead onboard the Titanic. As they are talking, they see an iceberg on the horizon… could this be the doing of Amen-Ra? Find out in the Cursed Passenger of the Titanic readers’ theatre unit! Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Cursed Passenger of the Titanic Readers’ Theatre script. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Burke & Hare: The Bodysnatchers Readers’ Theatre Unit: 17 page script 8 characters 1-3 narrators 1 page describing Body-Snatching throughout the Ages Student Success Criteria Student Friendly Goals Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Drawing Conclusions about Characters Activity Burke & Hare: The Bodysnatchers synopsis: Some people will do almost anything to make money. Hundreds of years ago, Burke & Hare did the most disgusting thing of all… they killed their victims and sold them to medical science for profit. Burke and Hare own and operate a boarding house. Hoping to recover a debt from a deceased lodger, they sell his body to science. Soon thereafter, Burke and Hare eye future residents of their boarding house and those on the street late at night as potential subjects to sell to Doctor Knox. Will Burke and Hare be caught as the bodies go missing? Found out in Burke and Hare: The Bodyscatchers Readers’ Theatre Unit! Mr. Marvel’s Musings: Hare and Burke strangle or suffocate the people they sell to Doctor Knox. In one scene, they strangle a grandmother. When her deaf grandson refuses to leave, he attacks Hare and is then strangled by the men. Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading Burke & Hare: The Bodysnatchers Readers’ Theatre script. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Charles Walton Witch Murder Readers’ Theatre Unit: 6 page script 1-3 narrators 2 characters 1 page of historical facts on the case Student Success Criteria Student Friendly Goals Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Drawing Conclusions about Characters Activity The Charles Walton Witch Murder synopsis: Why did Charles Walton die so horribly on Valentines Day? Impaled with a pitchfork and a cross carved into his neck? Who killed him? Why couldn’t England’s best detective: Detective Robert Fabian of Scotland Yard, not bring the killer to trial? Reporter Gillian Clifford interviews the now retired Fabian of the Yard and questions him on the case. He reminds her to put her notebook and pencil away, because what he is about to tell her on this cloudy day in the cafe, cannot be printed. What secrets will Robert Fabian of Scotland Yard reveal to the intrepid reporter? Nobody remembers the successful cases; they only remember the failures. Find out in The Charles Walton Witch Murder Readers’ Theatre Unit! Mr. Marvel’s Musings: This story is written as a dialogue between reporter Gillian Clifford and Superintendent Robert Fabian of Scotland Yard. Clifford prods Fabian with questions and prompts to get him to open up about the case. I think this script would be more effective with an older group. I read it with a small group of grade 10 students in the library. I did a brief preamble about the case with a mini slideshow and then let the readers take their positions at the front of the class. I imagine this could be an effective drama presentation since Clifford and Fabian do not move from their spots. They speak while seated in the cafe. I hope your students have an interesting discussion about the case. Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading The Charles Walton Witch Murder Readers’ Theatre script. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the Room For One More Readers’ Theatre Unit: 6 page script 1-3 narrators 7 characters Student Success Criteria Student Friendly Goals Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Drawing Conclusions about Characters Activity Foreshadowing Activity Room For One More Historical Facts 2 pages 4 questions Five Explanations for Ghosts 1 page Room For One More synopsis: Can a ghost see into the future and warn someone about a disaster? In 1883, British diplomat, Lord Dufferin was stationed in Ireland where he was writing the Dufferin Report for the British government. Later that night, his sleep is disturbed by a noise outside. Upon investigating the sounds, he sees a horse-drawn carriage and a man carrying a coffin. Dufferin asks the man what he is doing out there and the man replies “room for one more” as he points to the coffins on the carriage. Dufferin tries to apprehend the man, but he disappears. Years later, Dufferin is in the Grand Hotel in Paris where the eerie phrase “room for one more” echos through the halls. Is it a coincidence or just his imagination? Find out in the “Room For One More” readers’ theatre unit! Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles. When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading Room For One More Readers’ Theatre script. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre

Included in the A Killing in Kildare Readers’ Theatre Mystery Unit: 6 page script 4 characters 1-3 narrators 1 page about Irish horror Student Success Criteria Student Friendly Goals Teacher’s Reader’s Theatre Checklist Drawing Conclusions about Characters Activity A Killing in Kildare synopsis: In Kildare, Eire 1880: Tom Deeley’s son, Michael, is found by two peat-moss cutters. Michael was long thought to have boarded a ship to America. Patrick Freeley had asked Michael to take two bullocks to the market. He never returned that day, and now his body is found, but who could have killed him? Will the Freeley’s and the police be able to solve the mystery? Find out in A Killing in Kidare Readers’ Theatre Unit! Ireland is a country famous for its links with the supernatural. In Ireland no evil-doer is safe from the sort of freaky bad luck that befell the killer of Kildare. Do not fear the reader’s theater format. Students love these adapted stories because they are listening to the story and they are a part of the story by playing a character within the story. Reader’s theatre inspires reluctant readers to join in the fun. The strongest and most advanced readers in your class will encourage other students to raise their hand and participate in the story. I also use reader’s theatre to add to my drama marks. If the reader’s theatre format did not work for my students and I, then I would have stopped creating and adapting them years ago. Reluctant readers sometimes feel anxious looking at pages of text, whereas a reader’s theater script is broken up into narration and different characters speaking, thus making the story more accessible to those students who have not discovered the incredibly fun activity of reading for entertainment. I use shorter stories with minimal characters in literature circles. When can one make time for a reader’s theatre story in class? When I am not reading a reader’s theatre unit with my class, I usually reserve Friday’s for the reading of a one-off story. It is an event that the class looks forward to, since they do not know which story I will choose. Great for Librarians and small groups. I project the stories on the screen and assign characters in class. Some characters only have 1 line. A supporting character like that is perfect for a reluctant reader. I have read these stories remotely/online and in class/in-person. I encourage teachers and instructors to allow students to practice their parts at home before they read in front of the class. They can try different voices and tones when they practice. It is also good for family bonding time. The student’s parent/guardian can play another role and they can read together. I hope you, and your students enjoy reading A Killing in Kildare Readers’ Theatre script. Excelsior! Mr. Marvel: The King of Reader’s Theatre