Dolores Huerta | Civil Rights Leader | Readers Theater Script

This Dolores Huerta Historical Figure Readers Theater Script engages students in an interactive narrative instead of reading a dry history textbook. Abigail and Benjamin follow Dolores Huerta from her early years witnessing migrant hardships to becoming a dynamic union leader who helped transform farm labor conditions through unity, legal tools, and alliances.

Script Summary:

Abigail and Benjamin see Huerta partner with César Chávez, forging the National Farm Workers Association. They watch her ally with Filipino leaders like Larry Itliong, securing boycotts and contracts, and with feminist icons like Gloria Steinem to broaden the struggle. The script includes Huerta’s 1966 NFWA rally speech (primary source) demanding collective bargaining laws and her 2018 TED talk (primary source) urging people to overcome apathy. Despite obstacles, she helps pass legislation securing farmworker rights. Her legacy proves that persistent, collective effort can achieve lasting justice, inspiring future activists to unite, adapt, and engage, just as she taught.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

1) Readers Theater Script

• ~10 Characters, 1650 words, PDF & Editable DOCX Formats (8 pages)
• Includes factual historical information, primary source quotes, and narrative storytelling
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts

2) Comprehensive Script Worksheet

• Includes Answer Key, Google Slides & PDF Formats (4 Pages | 17 Slides)
• 10 Vocabulary Words: Definitions based on the context of the script to build historical literacy
• 10 Short-Answer Questions: Comprehension and recall questions based solely on the script, ensuring students can analyze the content without requiring additional research.
• Long-Format Writing Questions: Encourage deeper reflection and analysis, including one primary source exploration question.

3) Two Primary Source Documents

• Speech: NFWA march and rally - April 10, 1966
• How to Overcome Apathy and Find Your Power | TED Talk, November 2018
• Full Primary Source Text, PDF & DOCX Formats (6 pages)

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• For digital classrooms, upload the DOCX Script and convert to Google docs
• For More Students: Main character can be read by multiple students.
• For Less Students: Minor characters can be read by just one student.
• This script should take about ~25 minutes and depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.
• An extra ~25 minutes for prep, discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should also be planned.

This resource is part of a bundle dedicated to notable Civil Rights Leaders:

SAVE 50% and get the bundle here: Civil Rights Leaders Reader's Theater Scripts Bundle (12)