An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving | Reader's Theater Script

This script adaptation is based on Louisa May Alcott's "An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving," (1881) a work that portrays the experiences of the Bassett family during a memorable Thanksgiving.

This script should take about ~40 minutes to read depending on your classroom's level. Extra time for discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should be planned.

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This product includes a docx (MS WORD) file consisting of:

• Grades 6-12 Version (~17 Characters, 3200 words, 18 pages)
• Student & Teacher Reader's Theater Tips & Notes
• 10 Comprehension Short Answer and 10 Vocabulary Words
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Note: All files are in editable DOCX
• Character Note: There are 17 characters but some have only 1 or 2 lines, if necessary one student can read multiple lines. Likewise some of the main characters can be read by multiple students.

This script includes 3 short acts:

Act 1: The Unexpected Departure

The Bassett family prepares for Thanksgiving with joy and anticipation. Mrs. Bassett and her daughters, Tilly and Prue, begin cooking, while Farmer Bassett and the boys handle chores. A messenger arrives with news that Mrs. Bassett's mother is seriously ill. Urgently, Mr. and Mrs. Bassett depart, leaving Tilly, Prue, and Eph in charge. The children resolve to carry on with the Thanksgiving preparations, embracing their new responsibilities with determination.

Act 2: The Children's Thanksgiving Endeavor

Tilly and Prue take charge of cooking the Thanksgiving feast. Despite their enthusiasm, they make several mistakes: forgetting sugar and salt in the pudding, using the wrong herbs in the stuffing, and burning the cranberry sauce. Meanwhile, the younger children play outside but are frightened by what they believe is a bear. Eph prepares to defend the family, only to discover it's their friend Gad in disguise, playing a prank. After the scare, they return to their preparations, spirits lifted by Gad's visit and gifts.

Act 3: A Heartwarming Thanksgiving

As evening falls, the children hope for their parents' return. Unexpectedly, their parents arrive with extended family members, explaining that the grandmother is well—the illness was a misunderstanding. The family rejoices and sits down to the meal prepared by the children. Despite the culinary mishaps, the meal is filled with laughter and gratitude. The family engages in music and games, reflecting on the day's events. The story concludes with the children realizing that the essence of Thanksgiving is not about perfection but about family, love, and togetherness.

General Tips for Using this Resource:

1. Print one, double-sided script for each student
2. For digital classrooms, upload the MSWORD DOC version and convert to Google docs
3. Character roles can be adjusted based on class size; characters can be combined or split as needed