105 results
Ancient history scripts for homeschool
The Odyssey: A Collection of Reader's Theater Script-Stories
Are you looking for a more engaging way to teach the Odyssey? These five 40-minute script-stories bring Homer's epic to life by allowing your students to inhabit the classic characters. Although dialogue and touches of humor have been added to increase engagement, the adaption is incredibly faithful to the original epic.Included in this 73-page download are five script-stories and two handouts designed for grades 7-12:"Searching for Odysseus" (script-story)"On Calypso's Isle" (script-story)"In t
Grades:
7th - 12th
Types:
The Epic of Gilgamesh - Scripted Classroom Play - 6th Grade Social Studies
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest works of literature ever discovered, and this 3 act play is a great way to learn about it in 6th grade Social Studies!This includes:- the 12 page, 3 act student script- the teacher scripts for Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3 separated - a 30+ slide presentation to use in the background of your student play, complete with music and effects. - a student reflection WS Every year, we put on The Epic of Gilgamesh in my classroom when learning about Ancient Mesopotam
Grades:
5th - 10th
Types:
The Epic of Gilgamesh (Reader's Theater Script-Story Collection)
Introduce your students to the granddaddy of all epic heroes, Gilgamesh the warrior-king of Uruk. Bring The Epic of Gilgamesh, the world’s oldest known epic poem, to life with three student-friendly Reader’s Theater script-stories. Follow Gilgamesh as he develops from a cruel tyrant to a wise ruler through his adventures with his friend, Enkidu. Relive Gilgamesh’s epic feats—facing down Humbaba the giant protector of the cedar forest, taming the Bull of Heaven, resisting Ishtar the goddess of lo
Grades:
6th - 12th
Types:
The Trojan War: A Collection of Reader's Theater Script-Stories
Are you looking for a more engaging way to teach the Iliad and the saga of the Trojan War? These six 40-minute script-stories bring the epic story to life by allowing your students to inhabit the classic characters. The entire plot of Homer's Iliad is included. Other selections like "The Judgment of Paris," Euripides's Philoctetes, and "The Fall of Troy" from the Aeneid round out the story. Although dialogue and touches of humor have been added to increase engagement, the adaption is incredibly
Grades:
7th - 12th, Higher Education
Types:
Mesoamerica (Maya, Aztecs, Incas) Reader's Theater Bundle
This resource includes three complete Reader's Theater activities for middle grade students studying Mesoamerican history! The plays in this product include the Ancient Maya Civilization, the Aztec Empire, and the Inca Empire.Each play is a 5-Act, 25-role Reader's Theater script. Reader's Theater is an engaging instructional strategy for middle grade students that allows them to act out various historical scenes. This resource is a great review activity and assessment strategy. It also helps bui
Grades:
4th - 7th
Types:
Script: The Iliad - readers theater version
This script (FK reading level 5.0) and accompanying writing prompts, review games and planning materials can accommodate up to 26 readers and provides a wonderful way to introduce, conclude (or both) a unit on Homer, Greek literature or the Iliad.
The original 24 books of poetry have been condensed into a slightly irreverent script that covers the main characters and plot highlights.
Suggestions for lesson planning are given as well as step by step implementation, 10 RAFT writing assignments a
Subjects:
Grades:
5th - 12th, Adult Education
Types:
Ancient Greece Reader's Theater
This resource is a 5-Act, 25-role reader's theater script for Ancient Greece! Reader's Theater is an engaging instructional strategy for middle grade students that allows them to act out various historical scenes. This resource is a great review activity and assessment strategy. It also helps build fluency and reading comprehension skills. The acts are as follows: Act I: Athens and Sparta EmergeAct II: Fighting off the PersiansAct III: Entering the Classical AgeAct IV: The Peloponnesian WarAct V
Grades:
5th - 7th
Types:
Also included in: World History Reader's Theater Bundle
Ancient China Reader's Theater
This resource is a 5-Act, 25-role reader's theater script for Ancient China! Reader's Theater is an engaging instructional strategy for middle grade students that allows them to act out various historical scenes. This resource is a great review activity and assessment strategy. It also helps build fluency and reading comprehension skills. The acts are as follows: Act I: Geography and FarmingAct II: Shang and Zhou DynastiesAct III: Rivalry and WarfareAct IV: Confucianism and DaoismAct V: Shi Huan
Grades:
4th - 7th
Types:
Also included in: Reader's Theaters for History Mega-Bundle
Daedalus and Icarus: A Greek Myth (Reader's Theater Script-Story)
Bring the fan-favorite Greek myth of "Daedalus and Icarus" to life with this 6-page Reader's Theater script-story for 4 readers! Daedalus, the famous inventor, finds himself trapped on Crete, the island-kingdom of King Minos. In an effort to escape, he fashions wings for himself and his young son, Icarus. Despite Daedalus' warning, young Icarus does not listen to his father and suffers because of his disobedience.This 6-page script also comes with a 2-page teacher guide featuring:Story summaryB
Grades:
6th - 12th
Types:
Egypt Reader's Theater Script with Graphic Organizer & Rubric: Act Out History!
What a FUN way to get students involved in history! This content rich activity is student-centered, interactive and easy to use. Students are transported in a time with host Richie Talksalot! The script cast includes 18 speaking parts for great class participation. The Egypt play is set up as a Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous show in Ancient Egypt. The script is key concept for social science focused, covering the religion, economy, achievements, social classes, leadership and geography of anc
Grades:
4th - 8th
Types:
Ancient Maya Civilization Reader's Theater
This resource is a 5-Act, 25-role reader's theater script for the Ancient Maya Civilization! Reader's Theater is an engaging instructional strategy for middle grade students that allows them to act out various historical scenes. The acts are as follows: Act I: Religion and the PyramidsAct II: Hieroglyphics and ArtAct III: A Famous Ball Game (Recreation and Agriculture)Act IV: A Legendary CalendarAct V: A Mysterious EndingEach act includes discussion questions. There is a quiz for students at the
Grades:
4th - 7th
Types:
Also included in: Mesoamerica (Maya, Aztecs, Incas) Reader's Theater Bundle
Mesopotamia Class Play Script with Graphic Organizer & Rubric: Readers Theatre!
What a FUN way to get students involved in history! This content rich activity is student-centered, interactive and easy to use. Students are transported in a time machine! The script cast includes thirteen speaking parts for great class participation. The Mesopotamia play is set up as a Live News Report from Ancient Mesopotamia. The script is key concept for social science focused, covering the religion, economy, achievements, social classes,leadership and geography of ancient Mesopotamia.This
Grades:
4th - 8th
Types:
Greek Myth: Creation of the Universe + War of the Titans + Prometheus & Pandora
Start your study of Greek mythology in the beginning! The materials in this download cover three topics: The creation of the universe, the war between the titans and the gods, and the story of Prometheus and Pandora. The first two stories present the information in engaging prose while the third story is told through a Reader's Theater script-story, which gets the whole classroom involved! All three stories include thought-provoking discussion questions.The following materials are included in t
Grades:
5th - 12th
Types:
Greek Mythology: "Zeus King of the Gods" Readers' Theater
Print and go!
This fabulous Readers' Theater pack will help you cover standards for Greek Mythology as well as address key reading comprehension and writing standards!
Readers’ Theater is a reading strategy that allows your students to practice fluency while interacting with content in a highly motivating activity. Students are actively engaged while they respond to the literature that they are reading. Using readers’ theater paired with a social studies/history allows you to work across t
Grades:
3rd - 5th
Types:
The Flight of Icarus - Small Group Reader's Theater
This is a small group reader's theater is for 4-5 students. This is a Greek tragedy and is based on the story of Daedalus and Icarus. Daedalus is an inventor and very very smart. He builds King Minos a labyrinth and, after it is finished, the king decides to get rid of him. He locks Daedalus and Icarus in the labyrinth that Daedalus made him. Daedalus know the labyrinth well and he and his son escape. They go into hiding and come up with a plan to get away from the island where King Minos lives.
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 12th
Types:
Pegasus: The Winged Horse (Reader's Theater Script-Story)
This hilarious script-story version of the ancient Greek myth of Bellerophon and Pegasus presents a parody of a typical hero story. Pegasus is the intelligent winged horse of legend who must serve a dimwitted hero named Bellerophon by defeating the Chimera, a famed mash-up monster of Greece. This script-story features 12 speaking parts with opportunities for sound effects as well.
This 16-page download also includes a 2-page teacher guide with relevant background information, story summary, pre
Grades:
6th - 12th
Types:
Journey to Bethlehem: The Historical Journey
If your school allows you to focus on the religious aspects of Christmas, here is a great slide show for you. “Journey to Bethlehem: The Historical Journey” tells how Joseph and Mary made their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Along the way, your students will learn about:their home in Nazareththe census that necessitated their journeythe route they tookthe landscapes they would have walked throughwhether they walked or rode a donkey or used a cartthe dangers and the hardships they would have enc
Grades:
4th - 8th, Adult Education
Ancient China Play Script with Graphic Organizer & Rubric: Act Out History!
What a FUN way to get students involved in history! This content rich activity is student-centered, interactive and easy to use. Students test the truth about key Chinese inventions including gunpowder, porcelain, silk and Chinese medicine! The script cast includes 20 speaking parts for great class participation. The Ancient China play is set up as a Myth Busters type investigation. The script is key concept for social science focused, covering aspects of religion, economy, achievements, social
Grades:
4th - 8th
Types:
Theseus and the Minotaur (A Reader's Theater Script-Story Collection)
The Minotaur—half-man, half-bull—is one of Greek mythology's mightiest monsters. Locked away in the subterranean Labyrinth beneath the palace of the Cretan King Minos, the monster feeds on human sacrifices. That is, until Theseus, the young Greek hero, travels all the way to Crete to face off against against the monster. Assisted by the princess Ariadne, Theseus braves the dangers of the Labyrinth.Myths Made Modern: This collection contains two Reader's Theater script-stories."The Road to Athen
Subjects:
Grades:
8th - 12th
Types:
CCSS:
Ancient Greek Myths Guided Reading, Group Readers or Readers Theater
This is a set of 'group readers' (Readers Theater) written by Sue Russell on five Ancient Greek Myths:
1. Odysseus and the Cyclops
2. Theseus and the Minotaur
3. Tale of 2 Spinners (Athena & Arachne)
4. The Gorgon's Head (Medusa)
5. Pandora's Box.
delivering them via 6 speakers each. (For a smaller class size, a mini play may be dropped or the speakers re-allocated). Each 'mini play' comes with detailed summary of and background to each story, at the beginning; and at the end, a quiz -
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 8th
Romulus and Remus: A Roman Myth (A Reader's Theater Script-Story)
This classic Roman myth tells the story of Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of the war god Mars. Abandoned in the wilderness by their cruel uncle, the twin babies are nursed by a kindly she-wolf, raised by a shepherd, and grow up to be mighty, but contentious, warriors. Their struggles lead to the foundation of Rome.Myths Made Modern: "Romulus and Remus" is a 13-page script-story with parts for 13 readers.Teacher Guide: Each script comes with a 2-page teacher guide featuring relevant backgroun
Subjects:
Grades:
6th - 12th
Types:
Reader's Theater: Rise & Fall of Julius Caesar
This reader's theater is about the rise & fall of Julius Caesar. It comes in two different reading levels. Both are followed by discussion questions about Caesar's life and impact on the world. With 10 different characters, students can practice their reading fluency while learning about the past.Act 1: A Discussion Among SoldiersAct 2: Beginnings of a civil warAct 3: Caesar defeats PompeyAct 4: Caesar meets BrutusAct 5: Caesar & Mark AntonyAct 6: The Conspirators MeetAct 7: The Aftermat
Grades:
5th - 8th
Types:
Also included in: Reader's Theater: Ancient History Bundle
Hades Goes to Court for Kidnapping - Small Group Greek Reader's Theater
This is a small group reader's theater for 4 students. It is a short version of the story of how Hades kidnapped Persephone and tricked her into becoming his wife. In the script, Hades is in court accused of kidnapping Persephone and forcing her to live with him in the underworld. Demeter, Zeus, and Persephone are also there. Zeus is serving as the judge even though he is Persephone’s dad. They discuss what Hades did – including the way he tricked Persephone into eating something that ties her f
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 12th, Adult Education
Types:
Reader's Theater: Ancient History Bundle
This bundle of reader's theaters comes in two different reading levels and includes discussion questions at the end. It's a great way for students to learn about the past while practicing reading fluency simultaneously. Each passage also has at least 9 characters. The bundle includes:Alexander the GreatLife in Aztec societyLife in MesopotamiaRise & Fall of Julius CaesarPhoenicians: Masters of TradeIn the Court of HatshepsutXuanzang's Journey to IndiaThe Peloponnesian WarHannibal and the Seco
Grades:
5th - 8th
Types:
Showing 1-24 of 105 results
Find Ancient History resources | TPT
If you’re an educator or parent looking for printable or digital resources to help your student learn about ancient history, TPT has got you covered. We’ve got a comprehensive collection of ancient history resources available, including activities and lessons on ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, ancient China, and ancient Mesopotamia, to name just a few. With plenty of TPT high-quality resources at your fingertips, you’ll be able to teach ancient history to your students with ease.
Ancient history activities to try
Here are a few examples of the different types of activities and lessons you can find on TPT to help teach students about ancient history:
Map Making
With map-making activities you can not only teach students about ancient civilizations, but also incorporate geography into your lessons. As they label and color maps, students can learn about important places in ancient civilizations, chart trade routes, and learn how empires expanded (and fell) over time.
Primary Source Analysis
One of the best ways to learn about ancient civilizations is through the artifacts and writings of people from that particular period of time. Encourage students to analyze primary sources to gain a deeper understanding about bygone eras of history. For instance, you can have students read accounts of the destruction of Pompeii and discuss it as a class.
Centers & Stations
Through the use of centers, students can collaborate and discuss topics and content they examine for each era in history. For example, you can have students navigate through four or five different centers or stations to help them learn about different aspects of Ancient Chinese culture, like literature, geography, government, and major historical events or achievements.
By making ancient history come to life through a variety of interactive and immersive activities, teachers can help students develop a deeper appreciation for the subject.
Frequently asked questions for teaching about ancient history
What is ancient history?
Ancient history refers to the period of human history that takes place from the invention of writing to late antiquity (spanning from about 3000 BC to AD 650). This era includes the study of various ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, India, and others. Ancient history plays a critical role in helping us understand the origins and development of human civilizations and the influence it had on contemporary cultures and societies.
What are examples of ancient history?
The Persian Wars, the rise of the Tang Dynasty, the campaigns of Alexander the Great, and the decline and fall of the Roman empire are all examples of important milestones and events that you can teach about in ancient history.
What types of ancient history resources are available on TPT?
There are many different types of ancient history resources sold by Sellers on TPT — from worksheets to interactive notebooks to units.
How do I find ancient history resources on TPT?
Educators can save time preparing ancient history lessons with resources created by experienced teachers. Simply start a search for ancient history resources on the TPT marketplace, and filter by grade level, price, and/or resource type to find materials that've been proven to work in classrooms like yours. No matter what you’re teaching, there are plenty of lessons and activities sold by Sellers on TPT that are tailored to meet your students' skill levels.
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