Malala Yousafzai | Civil Rights Leader | Readers Theater Script

This Malala Yousafzai Historical Figure Readers Theater Script engages students in an interactive narrative instead of reading a dry history textbook. Abigail and Benjamin follow Malala Yousafzai’s journey from a young girl in Pakistan’s Swat Valley—where extremists feared girls’ education—to an international voice demanding schooling for all. They see her overcome violence, stand at the UN, and unite allies worldwide, proving one student’s courage can transform lives.

Script Summary:

Malala Yousafzai grew up under Taliban threats in Pakistan, determined to protect girls’ right to learn. After surviving a violent attack in 2012, she became a global advocate, calling world leaders to ensure that every child, especially girls, receive free, quality education. Her UN speech in 2013 (primary source) showed forgiveness, compassion, and the power of a single voice to inspire global change. Working with supporters like Shiza Shahid and Kailash Satyarthi, and acknowledged by leaders like Gordon Brown, Malala proved that knowledge, not fear, guides us to a brighter future. Her story reminds us that pens are stronger than guns and that anyone—no matter how young—can light the path to equality and peace.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

1) Readers Theater Script

• ~10 Characters, 1500 words, PDF & Editable DOCX Formats (7 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) One Primary Source Document

• Malala Yousafzai's UN Speech on Youth Education - July 12, 2013, New York City
• 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 notable Civil Rights Leaders:

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