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Gail Hennessey's Teacher Emporium

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I taught for 33 years and I have my MST in the teaching of Social Studies. In 1988, I was awarded the Elementary Social Studies Classroom Teacher of the Year Award from both the New York State Council for the Social Studies and the National Council for the Social Studies. My shop contains mostly social studies materials including web quests, and reader's theater scripts on famous people in history, science and literature.

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I taught for 33 years and I have my MST in the teaching of Social Studies. In 1988, I was awarded the Elementary Social Studies Classroom Teacher of the Year Award from both the New York State Council for the Social Studies and the National Council for the Social Studies. My shop contains mostly social studies materials including web quests, and reader's theater scripts on famous people in history, science and literature.
William Shakespeare: A Reader's Theater Script
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William Shakespeare: A Reader's Theater Script

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Considered to be the greatest writer of the English language, learn about William Shakespeare with this fun/informative play. Shakespeare introduced about 3000 words to the English language . It is said that next to the Bible, his works are the most quoted! Great for Language Arts, study on the Renaissance or on a Friday or day before a holiday when you’d like to introduce your students to famous people with a biography activity. The fun/informative play uses the format of Shakespeare being a guest on a talk show and the studio audience asks questions about his life. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series. Also includes: Comprehension/Did You Know?section, LOTS of extension activities/links/key. Other resources of interest: Check out my web quest on Charles Dickens:Today, a person who is very tight with money, is often called a scrooge, after, the main character in A Christmas Carol. Did you know that several other words and phrases were coined by Charles Dickens? Words such as abuzz, flummox, the creeps,round the clock and whiz-bang are credited with Dickens. Other words that Dickens helped to popularize include, kibosh, butter-fingers,boredom,messiness,squashed,bah humbug,and tousled. Here’s another interesting fact about Charles Dickens.Someone said that if you counted all the words which Dickens used in his writing, it was an amazing 4.6 million different words! One of the most famous writers of all times,Dickens also wrote Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield and more. My webquest includes 8 fun/informative questions to learn about Dickens. Additional activities/links,too. Charles Dickens, A Webquest This reader’s theater play introduces kids to fairy tale writer,Hans Christian Andersen. His story, The Ugly Duckling, some say was actually about him. Great activity for Anti-Bullying Month in October to go along with reading of this fairytale. Comprehension questions, discussion questions, extension activities and resources are included. Hans Christian Andersen, A Reader’s Theater Script I also have a fun/informative Reader’s Theater Script on Charles Dickens. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, students will be introduced to the life of Charles Dickens, one of the most famous writers of all time. There are 11 questioners in the play as well as a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key.Charles Dickens, A Reader’s Theater Script Use this fun/informative play uses the format of Edgar Allan Poe being a guest on a talk show and the studio audience asks questions about his life. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series. Also includes: Comprehension/Did You Know?section, LOTS of extension activities/links/key. Louisa May Alcott:
Ancient Romans: A Bundle of Resources!
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Ancient Romans: A Bundle of Resources!

6 Resources
Studying the Romans? This resources includes the following products to assist in the teaching of Ancient Rome and the Romans. Ancient Romans-Unit of Study with activities and links Ancient Roman- Secret Message Review Activity Italy and Ancient Rome-A Webquest with activities and links Diocles: Famous Charioteer (Reading Passage with activities) Spartacus: Roman Gladiator(Reading Passage with activities) Julius Caesar: ( Reading Passage with activities) All resources are also available to be purchased individually. Gail Hennessey
Phoenicians: A Webquest
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Phoenicians: A Webquest

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If you are studying the Phoenicians, this webquest will be a positive addition as an introduction/review to the first sea traders of the ancient world. The Phoenicians developed an alphabet which they shared to other cultures in their travels around the Mediterranean Sea. They developed the color purple and were skilled in glassmaking. Their sea traders may have traveled as far as Britain and down the coast of Africa, in a time when there were no navigational tools. Other resources on the Phoenicians include: I also have a bundle of resources on the Phoenicians: (does not include this new webquest). Reading Activity on Hanno, Phoenician Sea Explorer Reading Activity on Hannibal. Unit of Study on Phoenicians Secret Message Review Activity on Phoenicians
Asian American and Pacific Islander(AAPI) Heritage Month(A Webquest)
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Asian American and Pacific Islander(AAPI) Heritage Month(A Webquest)

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There is a Black History Month, Native Americans Heritage Month, a Hispanic American Month and a Woman’s History Month. Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month is a time to highlight the contributions of these groups of people to the culture of the United States. It is celebrated in the month of May but could be used throughout a school year whenever you are wishing to highlight contributions of famous people to our world. Other resources of Interest: Native Americans Heritage Month:Webquest Black History Month:(Webquest) Hispanic Heritage Month: A Webquest Women’s History Month:
Ferdinand Magellan
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Ferdinand Magellan

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In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan set out on an amazing adventure, in an attempt to voyage around the world. Although he did not complete the journey, several of his crew did complete the trip. This Reader’s Theater Script provides lots of information about the Age of Exploration and Magellan’s voyage in a fun/informative method. There are 13 audience questions, Did you Know? fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, key and additional links for teachers. You may also find the following resources of interest: 1.Age of Discovery: A Webquest: Age of Discovery, A Webquest 2. Age of Discovery-Secret Message Review Activity: Age of Exploration, A Secret Message Review Activity 3. Columbus: A Reader’s Theater Script: Christopher Columbus, A Reader’s Theater Script 4. Learn about Michelangelo, one of the world’s greatest sculptor and painter, with this reader’s theater script! Included are 7 questioners, comprehension questions, a Did You Know? section, a teachers page with extension activities, links and the key.Great addition to a unit on the Renaissance,art history or for a Friday biography day! Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series.Audience Questioners ask questions of Michelangelo:Michelangelo, A Reader’s Theater Script 5. Studying the Renaissance? Studying famous artists in history?Need a biographical play to use with your students? Try my Reader’s Theater Script on Leonardo da Vinci. Includes comprehension questions and extension activities. Great addition to a study of the Renaissance, art history or a Friday biography day! Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series, studio audience questioners ask da Vinci questions about his life.Leonardo daVinci, A Reader’s Theater Script Marco Polo: Use this informative Reader’s Theater Script to learn about Marco Polo. Marco Polo helped to start the Age of Discovery with his book on his adventures to China. The fun/informative play uses the format of Marco Polo being a guest on a talk show and the studio audience asks questions about his life. Great for a Friday biography, for a unit of study on the Age of Discovery or a unit of study on China.
Everything Has a History....A Bundle of Resources!
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Everything Has a History....A Bundle of Resources!

8 Resources
Use these resource to share with kids that history is all around us. I start the year with Why Study History? These resources would be a great beginning of the year or end of the year activity. An activity I used to to with my students had the students writing a paragraph on their favorite childhood toy. What was it? Why was it important to you? What did it look like? What happened to it. This got the discussion started that even THEY have a personal history. I shared my Pinkie, a stuffed dog, that was my very favorite childhood toy( which I still have).
Calvin Coolidge and the "Pennsylvania Avenue Zoo". A Reading Activity
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Calvin Coolidge and the "Pennsylvania Avenue Zoo". A Reading Activity

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Part of my Series: Interesting Stories about Presidents, students will learn about Calvin Coolidge and his many animals. Some nicknamed the White House , “Pennsylvania Avenue Zoo”. Additionally, students will learn interesting facts about the 30th President of the United States. The reading passage also include a Did You You? Fun facts and comprehension questions. Check out my other Interesting Stories about Presidents: George Washington and the Camel: Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese: John Quincy Adams Goes for A Swim:
John Quincy Adams Goes for a Swim!
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John Quincy Adams Goes for a Swim!

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Part of my Series: Interesting Stories about Presidents, students will learn about John Quincy Adams and his regular exercise routine, swimming in the Potomac River. Additionally, students will learn interesting facts about the Sixth President of the United States. The reading passage also include a Did You You? Fun facts and comprehension questions. Check out my other Interesting Stories about Presidents: George Washington and the Camel: Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese:
Famous Games of Ancient Greece(Webquest)
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Famous Games of Ancient Greece(Webquest)

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Learn about the history of the famous games which began in ancient Greece, both past and present with this informative webquest. There are 15 questions as well a number of fun facts.Extension activities are also included(and the key).The webquest can be completed in one class period and is geared for upper elementary and middle school students.Can be used before a vacation, for a Friday activity or if you are studying the ancient Greeks. Updated for Paris 2024 Games. The famous games started in the country of Greece. Use this nine question web quest to learn about the country of Greece. Learn about Greece, a Webquest. I also have several resources on China( including a unit of study, a webquest and a reading passage/activity on the Great Wall of China.
George Washington and the Camel(1787): A Reading Passage in the Content Area of Social Studies
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George Washington and the Camel(1787): A Reading Passage in the Content Area of Social Studies

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On December 29, 1787, George Washington had a very special surprise for guests at Mount Vernon. A Camel came for a visit! This reading passage shares information on customs and traditions of the holiday season during Colonial times and the visit of the camel. Additionally, there is a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions, a map skill activity and the teacher page with several links of interest. Part of my new series: Unusual Stories about Presidents! Check out Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese! Another resource that may be of interest: Learn about Martha Washington with this informative Reader”s Theater Script:
Santa Fe Trail: Wind Wagon Thomas(Reading Passage)
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Santa Fe Trail: Wind Wagon Thomas(Reading Passage)

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Use this reading passage(and extension activities) to learn about the Santa Fe Trail and specifically Wind Wagon Thomas. As people were beginning to travel west by covered wagon along the plains of the Santa Fe Trail, William Thomas, had a most unusual idea. The average trip along the Santa Fe Trail took about eight weeks! He envisioned prairie schooners with sails that could move across the plains on wind-power much faster than wagons hitched to horses. The resource includes a map activity, a Did You Know fun facts about the Santa Fe Trail and several discussion questions. The Teacher page has several extension activities and the keys.
Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Justice(Reader's Theater Script)
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Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Justice(Reader's Theater Script)

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Learn about Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, only the 3rd woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court and the first Hispanic American to be on the Supreme Court. Students will also learn information about the Supreme Court. A great resource for Women’s History Month, a study of the Supreme Court, Hispanic Heritage Month, a Friday activity or as a substitute lesson. Extension activities included. There are 9 Audience Questioners in this Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series of Reader’s Theater Scripts. I also have a resource on the history of the Supreme Court and a Reader’s Theater Script on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg,Supreme Court Justice(Reader's Theater Script)
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg,Supreme Court Justice(Reader's Theater Script)

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Learn about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, only the 2nd woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court. Students will also learn information about the Supreme Court. A great resource for Women’s History Month, a study of the Supreme Court, a Friday activity or as a substitute lesson. Extension activities included. There are 11 Audience Questioners in this Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series of Reader’s Theater Scripts. I also have a resource on the history of the Supreme Court and a Reader’s Theater Script on Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, first Hispanic American and 3rd woman chief justice.
Oregon Trail: A Visit with a Pioneer(Narcissa Whitman). Reader's Theater Script
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Oregon Trail: A Visit with a Pioneer(Narcissa Whitman). Reader's Theater Script

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If you are studying Westward Expansion and pioneers, specifically the Oregon Trail, this informative Reader’s Theater Script will be a positive addition to your lessons. Based on a true person, the play is about one of first woman to go on the Oregon Trail. Narcissa Whitman kept a journal of her trip. She and her husband(and Henry and Eliza Spalding) left upstate New York for Independence, Missouri(most popular starting point) for their journey along the Oregon Trail to Oregon, where Marcus and Narcissa would become missionaries. The play, packed with lots of information, is one of my Ms. Bie Ografee playsseries, includes a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities. Another resource on this topic: Use this reading passage(and extension activities) to learn about the Santa Fe Trail and specifically Wind Wagon Thomas. As people were beginning to travel west by covered wagon along the plains of the Santa Fe Trail, William Thomas, had a most unusual idea. The average trip along the Santa Fe Trail took about eight weeks! He envisioned prairie schooners with sails that could move across the plains on wind-power much faster than wagons hitched to horses. The resource includes a map activity, a Did You Know fun facts about the Santa Fe Trail and several discussion questions. The Teacher page has several extension activities and the
Julius Caesar: A Reading Passage Activity
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Julius Caesar: A Reading Passage Activity

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This resource is part of my series, “Let’s Meet…” famous people in ancient history. With this biographical reading passage, students will learn about Julius Caesar, Famous Leader of Ancient Rome and One of the Greatest Military Leaders in History. There is a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extensions and links. My Let’s Meet… series is growing. Currently, I also have the following in the series: Hatshepsut, Ramses, Socrates, Hammurabi, Aesop and Hannibal, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Archimedes and more
Archimedes: A Reading Passage Activity
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Archimedes: A Reading Passage Activity

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This resource is part of my series, “Let’s Meet…” famous people in ancient history. With this biographical reading passage, students will learn about the Archimedes, Famous Mathematician, Scientist and Inventor of Ancient Greece. There is a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extensions and links. Some of the ideas of Archimedes are still used today! My Let’s Meet… series is growing. Currently, I also have the following in the series: Hatshepsut, Ramses, Socrates, Hammurabi, Aesop and Hannibal, Aristotle, Alexander the Great and more.
April Fool's Day Freebie
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April Fool's Day Freebie

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Use these pranks to introduce a discussion on FAKE NEWS. You may also find my resource on FAKE NEWS of interest to use in addition to this resource. Additionally, I have a resource on APRIL FOOL’S DAY which includes a reading, fun facts and activities.
Louisa May Alcott:Writer, Abolitionist, Suffragette(Reader's Theater Script)
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Louisa May Alcott:Writer, Abolitionist, Suffragette(Reader's Theater Script)

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Part of my Ms.Bie Ografee Talk Show series of Reader’s Theater Scripts, the guest is Louisa May Alcott. A “studio” audience asks Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest questions about her life and accomplishments. There are 11 audience questioners, a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key. Other Reader’s Theater Scripts on famous people in Literature: You may also be interested in my biographical play on **Hans Christian Andersen. This reader’s theater play introduces kids to fairy tale writer,Hans Christian Andersen. His story, The Ugly Duckling, some say was actually about him. Great activity for Anti-Bullying Month in October to go along with reading of this fairytale. Comprehension questions, discussion questions, extension activities and resources are included. Hans Christian Andersen, A Reader’s Theater Script (To Tell the Truth Play) 2.This fun/informative play uses the format of William Shakespeare, being a guest on a talk show. A studio audience asks questions to learn about his life. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series. Also includes: Comprehension/Did You Know?section, LOTS of extension activities/links/key. William Shakespeare, A Reader’s Theater Script Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, students will be introduced to the life of** Charles Dickens,** one of the most famous writers of all time. There are 11 questioners in the play as well as a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key: 4. Edgar Allan Poe: An American short story writer and poet, Poe, is remembered for such stories as Murder in the Rue Morgue ,The Tell Tale Heart and The Fall of the House of Usher. Poe’s poem, The Raven, is considered the most famous poem in American history! Edgar Allan Poe is considered to be one of the first science fiction writers and first writer of the modern detective story. Use this Reader’s Theater Script to introduce students to this famous American Writer.Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, there are 8 Audience Questioners who ask questions of Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest, Edgar Allan Poe. There is a Did You Know? fun fact section, comprehension questions and a Teacher Page with extension activities and the key. 5. Other Topics of Interest: Louisa May Alcott was a Suffragette. Read about the efforts of suffragettes to get the right to vote for women. Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, two women who wanted to promote awareness for women’s suffrage, (the right to vote) decided to go on a cross country road trip. Back in 1916, this wasn’t as simple as it would be today. There were few paved roads, no interstate highway system. (1916) Reader’s Theater Script on the life of Susan B. Anthony.