The Tuskegee Airmen | BHM | Readers Theater Script

The Tuskegee Airmen Historical Figure Readers Theater Script engages students in an interactive narrative instead of reading a dry history textbook. Abigail and Benjamin follow the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.

Script Summary:

This script explore the pilots that trained at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, facing strict rules, prejudice, and daily challenges. However, they pressed on to become skilled fighter and bomber pilots. They earned fame escorting bombers in the war, proving their worth as flyers despite segregation. Meanwhile, aviator Willa B. Brown fought to keep flight programs open, writing letters to leaders and pushing for more opportunities for Black trainees. The story also weaves in parts of Harry W. Leavell’s interview, including odd rules about mustaches and a shocking refusal of a life-saving blood transfusion. By war’s end, they returned as heroes, influencing President Truman’s decision to integrate the military. Their enduring legacy helped break barriers and inspire future generations.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

1) Readers Theater Script

• ~8 Characters, 1650 words in editable DOCX Format (9 pages)
• Includes factual historical information, primary source quotes, and narrative storytelling
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts

2) Comprehensive Script Worksheet

• Includes Student Copy and Answer Key in PDF & Google Slides 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.
• 5 Long-Format Writing Questions: Encourage deeper reflection and analysis, using the full text of the included primary source.

3) Two Primary Source Documents

• Willa B. Brown’s letter to Congressman William Dawson (1943)
• Interview with Harry W. Leavell Veterans History Project (2002)
• Full Primary Source Text, DOCX Format (3 page)

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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.