Kathleen E. Bradley 
Reconstruction After the Civil War 

Students will act out the story of a family who struggles to adjust to their lives after the Civil War ends. Southern states were left in disarray with slaves free, but homeless, poor, and uneducated. In this story, Patsy Berry, a former slave, awaits the return of her husband from war. She is devastated to discover that his military service has been extended, but is determined to have her family succeed. This Reader’s Theater script features roles written to match multiple reading levels. Teachers can assign specific roles to their readers based on each student’s current reading level, allowing all students to get involved in the same activity and feel successful! Students will gain confidence in their reading fluency through performance, regardless of their current reading ability. While performing with others, students will practice performance, interacting cooperatively, reading aloud, and using expressive voices and gestures to better tell the story. These drama scripts for students are a great way to teach literacy and engage all learners!