Government & Personal Debt Reader's Theater Script | ECON 101.5 Series

This 12-scene readers’ theater script unfolds in a high school classroom with Mr. Patel, Ms. Kim, and students Maya, Ethan, Zoe, and Ryan. They probe why growth leans on borrowing—$31 trillion U.S. debt to post-2008 stimulus—while personal loans ($50K degrees, credit cards) trap teens. Experts Caitlin Long and Dave Ramsey trace debt from 1940s war bonds to today’s $1.7 trillion student loan pile, showing tuition spikes (e.g., $10K to $50K post-1965) and interest traps. Critics Larry Summers and Elizabeth Warren defend debt’s benefits, but cash-over-credit emerges as a fix. With 10 roles, it suits grades 9-12, offering flexible casting.

The worksheet deepens insight with:

• Short-Answer Questions (5): Test basics like “Why does Maya fear college debt?” with quotes on $50K risks.
• Long-Format Questions (5): Link to life, like “How might Ramsey change your car plans?” using interest examples.
• Economic Concept Questions (5): Research depth, like “Find U.S. debt 1940-2020” to see growth’s cost, with data hints.
• Themes and Discussion Questions (2): Spark talks on risk versus reward, like “What’s a debt trap you’ve seen?” for personal ties.
• Application Focus: Students cite evidence (e.g., Summers on GDP), connect to today (e.g., $2K card debt), and weigh options, building critical thinking.

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What's included?

(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)

1) Teacher's Guide & Answer Key

• Standards Alignment (CCSS Grades 9~12, CCRA)
• Teacher Tips
• Answer Keys for all worksheet sections
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Format: Google Doc (6 pages)

2) Readers Theater Script

• ~10 Characters, 4250 words
• Format: Google Doc (10 pages)

3) Script Worksheet

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short-Answer Questions
• 5 Economic Concept Research & Extension Questions
• Format: Google Slides (22 Slides)

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• 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 50~60 minutes
• Depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.

Script Summary:

• Scene 1: Debt’s role in growth and personal risks hooks students with $50K loans and $31 trillion deficits.
• Scene 2: Caitlin Long ties borrowing to GDP spikes, like post-2008, but notes fragility.
• Scene 3: Easy credit—$500 cards, $50K loans—lures teens, with interest as the catch.
• Scene 4: The 1965 Higher Education Act shifts loans to all, spiking tuition from $10K to $50K.
• Scene 5: Dave Ramsey warns of traps: low-value degrees and 20% card rates sink borrowers.
• Scene 6: Banks win with interest, while borrowers like Ethan’s sister lose, showing debt’s tilt.
• Scene 7: Larry Summers and Elizabeth Warren defend debt’s progress, clashing with student trap fears.
• Scene 8: Caitlin Long traces debt from war bonds to today’s risky $31 trillion pile.
• Scene 9: College debt’s $50K gamble offers shaky returns for some majors, per Ramsey.
• Scene 10: Ramsey pitches cash over credit to dodge traps, challenging college norms.
• Scene 11: Systemic debt crashes (e.g., 2008) link to personal woes, like $1.7 trillion in loans.
• Scene 12: Students pick debt or freedom, reflecting on risks like Maya’s $50K choice.

Will this meet your classroom's needs?

Try this FREE Globalization & Tariffs script from the ECON 101.5 series first :)