Carnival in Brazil | Holiday Readers Theater Script for Grades 3 to 5

This engaging Readers Theater script for Grades 3–5 brings Carnival in Brazil, a vibrant pre-Lenten festival in February or March, to life, immersing students in its cultural and historical significance. Through a 2025 classroom and flashbacks to the 1600s and 1920s, students explore samba music, sparkling costumes, and the community spirit of Sambadrome parades and blocos. From crafting feathered masks to drumming surdo beats, students discover Carnival’s blend of Portuguese, African, and Brazilian heritage, fostering social studies connections to joy and unity. Perfect for social studies teachers seeking multicultural resources, this activity aligns with CCSS standards, promoting fluency, creativity, and collaborative learning.

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(a single PDF with links to Google Docs/Slides, if print format is preferred you can download from your Google Drive to word/pdf/ppt/etc)

What’s Included

• 10-scene script (Google Doc, ~1200 words, 7 pages, 10 characters)
• Teacher guide with script summary, answer keys, and standards alignment (Google Doc, 6 pages)
• Student worksheet (Google Slides) featuring vocabulary, comprehension, samba rhythm patterns, costume design sketch, and reflection prompts

Skills Addressed

• Reading fluency and expressive storytelling
• Understanding the cultural and historical significance of Carnival
• Analyzing characters’ roles in celebrating Carnival’s traditions
• Building vocabulary tied to Brazilian culture and practices
• Encouraging cross-cultural awareness and community spirit

The Worksheet Includes

• Short-Answer: Identify key details and themes from Carnival’s history and traditions
• Reflection Prompts: Connect Carnival’s values to personal experiences and community actions
• Vocabulary: Clearly defined terms (e.g., samba, bloco) supported by script quotes
• Themes: Deep exploration of joy, culture, and unity

Script Summary
This script celebrates Carnival in Brazil, a vibrant pre-Lenten festival in February or March, explored through a modern classroom and historical flashbacks for Grades 3–5. Students learn about samba music, elaborate costumes, and the community spirit of parades and blocos, rooted in Brazil’s diverse heritage. The story begins in a 2025 classroom where a teacher and student discuss Carnival’s purpose. It flashes back to the 1600s, where Portuguese entrudo parties blend with African rhythms, and the 1920s, where samba schools emerge. Modern students share traditions like dancing in the Sambadrome, crafting costumes, and joining street parties. The script ends with a lively Carnival party, emphasizing joy, culture, and unity, inspiring students to embrace creativity and community.

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