Crossing the Delaware and the Victory at Trenton | U.S. History Readers Theater Script

This U.S. History Differentiated Readers Theater script is based on the story of Crossing the Delaware and the Victory at Trenton (1776). It tells the story of a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. Facing dire circumstances, General George Washington devises a daring plan to attack the Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. Despite harsh winter conditions, the Continental Army crosses the icy Delaware River on Christmas night. The surprise attack catches the Hessians off guard, leading to a significant American victory. This triumph revitalizes the Continental Army, boosts morale, and demonstrates American resilience and tactical ingenuity. The victory at Trenton becomes a turning point in the war, inspiring renewed hope for independence among the colonists.

This script should take about ~20 minutes to read depending on your classroom's level. An extra ~25 minutes for prep, discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should also be planned.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

• Grades 3~5 Version (~14 Characters, 1280 words, 10 pages)
• Grades 6~8 Version (~15 Characters, 1300 words, 11 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 format
• Character Note: Some characters only have 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 is part of a Revolutionary War Bundle!

CLICK HERE to check all 15 scripts below and save 50%

01 The Boston Tea Party & Intolerable Acts (1773) [FREE DOWNLOAD]

02 The First Continental Congress (1774)

03 Patrick Henry at the Virginia Convention (1775)

04 The Midnight Ride & the Shot Heard Round the World (1775)

05 The Green Mountain Boys & Battle of Bunker Hill (1775)

06 The Second Continental Congress (1775)

07 Common Sense & Declaration of Independence (1776)

08 Crossing the Delaware & Victory at Trenton (1776)

09 Valley Forge & The American Crisis (1777-1778)

10 Foreign Allies: Lafayette and France (1777-1778)

11 Sybil Ludington and Molly Pitcher (1777)

12 Alexander Hamilton and His Duel (1780s-1804)

13 Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris (1781 - 1783)

14 George Washington Stepping Down (1783)

15 Slavery and the American Revolution (1770s-1780s)