The Constitution of the United States
The Foundation of Our Government
by Kathleen E. Bradley
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Building Fluency Through Reader's Theater: My Country series
John Russell is a young man who enters the highly guarded Pennsylvania State House just as the delegates are debating about a Constitution for the United States. John Russell's story is told in The Constitution of the United States: The Foundation of Our Government, where he is given the opportunity to assist the delegates. George Washington praises him for the work he does, and James Madison gives him a very special gift.
Reconstruction After the Civil War
by Kathleen E. Bradley
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Building Fluency Through Reader's Theater: My Country series
The Civil War has ended and Patsy Berry, a former slave, eagerly awaits the return of her husband, Hiram, but soon learns that his military service has been extended. Patsy is determined to succeed despite Hiram's absence and an encounter with an unscrupulous carpetbagger.
Patriots in Boston
by Gail Skroback Hennessey
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Building Fluency Through Reader's Theater: My Country series
In Patriots in Boston, children and families witness and participate in the events leading to the "tea party" in Boston. As taxes and new laws are forced on the colonists, they know they have to take action to preserve their freedoms. With leadership from Samuel Adams, families disguise the men as Indians, who dump the tea into the Boston Harbor, creating a pivotal moment in American history.
Coming to America
The Story of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
by Kathleen E. Bradley
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Building Fluency Through Reader's Theater: My Country series
Coming to America is the story of a family of immigrants who are eager to come to America. After traveling from their homeland and arriving in America, they find that they cannot keep their eyes off the Statue of Liberty with its promises and hopes for the future. Certain that they will have a better life in America, the family finds the Statue of Liberty to be a symbol of their dreams.
Camping Constitution
by Christi E. Parker
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Building Fluency Through Reader's Theater: My Country series
This story takes the class on a camping trip with a group of children. Realizing that they need a set of rules to govern themselves, they refer to the best example: the United States Constitution. After discovering the reasons that the Constitution was written, what it means for democracy in our country, and how it gives citizens rights, laws, and freedoms, the children decide to create their own supreme law by making an unbreakable camping constitution.
Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce
by Kathleen E. Bradley
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Building Fluency Through Reader's Theater: My Country series
While America was expanding westward, some Nez Perce Indians signed a treaty with the United States that placed them on a reservation. In this story, the U.S. cavalry pursues resisting Nez Perce Indian tribe members until a battle ensues at Bear Paw Mountain that produces a victory, but no satisfaction for either side.