Lincoln’s Assassination Readers Theater (Grades 6–8): Primary Sources in Performance

April 14, 1865 changed the course of Reconstruction. This free, 10-scene script puts students inside the events at Ford’s Theatre and the aftermath, supporting oral fluency and evidence-based discussion for middle school history.

What’s Included

• Printable readers theater script (≈10 scenes)

Classroom Uses

• Fluency-building dramatic reading
• Debate prompts on healing vs. justice
• Exit tickets citing lines as evidence

Extra Historical Overview

Background context for teachers (not part of the product file): Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865 precipitated leadership under Andrew Johnson, whose lenient pardon policy clashed with emerging Radical Republican aims—setting the stage for fierce Reconstruction battles over citizenship and civil rights.

Get the script: Assassination of Lincoln — Readers Theater (Grades 6–8)