James Madison U.S. President | Historical Figure Readers Theater Script

This James Madison Historical Figure Readers Theater Script engages students in an interactive narrative instead of reading a dry history textbook. Abigail and Benjamin travel back in time to explore James Madison’s life. They learn about Madison not just as a statesman, but as a caring husband and thoughtful leader who shaped the foundations of American democracy.

Script Summary:
Abigail and Benjamin travel through time and see Madison grow up in colonial Virginia, shaped by study and a love of ideas. They follow him to the College of New Jersey, where he dives into philosophy and political thought. At the Constitutional Convention, Madison proposes structures for a balanced government, influencing the U.S. Constitution. He later adds the Bill of Rights, ensuring protections for individual freedoms. Viewers meet Dolley Madison, whose social grace complements his intellect, and read his letters to her as Secretary of State, revealing his worries and plans during global tensions. As President, Madison faces the War of 1812, writing to Dolley amid the British threat to Washington, D.C. After the war, he works to strengthen the young nation’s unity, stability, and education. In retirement, he reflects on founding principles, underscores the importance of informed citizens, and leaves a legacy of law and liberty that endures.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

1) Readers Theater Script

• ~9 Characters, 1400 words, PDF & Editable DOCX Formats (8 pages)
• Includes factual historical information, primary source quotes, and narrative storytelling
• 5 Themes & 15 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) Three Letters From Madison to his wife Dolley

• Full Primary Source Text, PDF & DOCX Formats (3 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 the most notable 12 U.S. Presidents:

SAVE 50% and get the bundle here: U.S. Presidents Reader's Theater Scripts Bundle (12)