Thomas Jefferson U.S. President | Historical Figure Readers Theater Script

This Thomas Jefferson 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 witness Jefferson’s early education, his mastery of law, his role in writing the Declaration of Independence, and his diplomatic experiences in France.

Script Summary:

The script shows Jefferson’s political career as Secretary of State, Vice President, and eventually his presidency. Key events include the Election of 1800, his Inauguration, the Louisiana Purchase, commissioning the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and facing domestic challenges like the Embargo Act. Throughout, students see Jefferson’s ideals—individual liberty, limited government, education, and the lasting influence of his thoughts, including direct quotes from his 1787 letter to Madison. While celebrating his vision, it acknowledges his contradictions, such as holding enslaved people and not fully realizing the principles he helped articulate. By the end, Jefferson’s legacy emerges as complex, influential, and inspirational for future generations of Americans.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

1) Readers Theater Script

• ~16 Characters, 1800 words, PDF & Editable DOCX Formats (9 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 based on a Letter From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 20 December 1787

3) Letter From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 20 December 1787

• 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)