Valley Forge and The American Crisis | U.S. History Readers Theater Script

This U.S. History Differentiated Readers Theater script is based on Valley Forge and The American Crisis (1777-1778). It tells the story of when General George Washington's Continental Army faced severe hardships. Arriving at Valley Forge, the soldiers endure a harsh winter with scant supplies, inadequate shelter, and rampant disease. Morale is at an all-time low until Thomas Paine arrives with his inspirational pamphlet, "The American Crisis," reigniting hope among the troops. The arrival of Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian military officer, marks a turning point as he implements rigorous training, transforming the ragged soldiers into a disciplined army. With improved morale, training, and news of a French alliance, the Continental Army leaves Valley Forge stronger and more unified, ready to confront the British forces. This period signifies a pivotal transformation in the army's effectiveness and the overall fight for independence.

This script should take about ~20 minutes to read depending on your classroom's level. An extra ~25 minutes for prep, discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should also be planned.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

• Grades 3~5 Version (~10 Characters, 1000 words, 9 pages)
• Grades 6~8 Version (~13 Characters, 1050 words, 9 pages)
• Student & Teacher Reader's Theater Tips & Notes
• 10 Comprehension Short Answer and 10 Vocabulary Words
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Note: All files are in editable DOCX format
• Character Note: Some characters only have 1 or 2 lines, if necessary one student can read multiple lines. Likewise some of the main characters can be read by multiple students.

This script is part of a Revolutionary War Bundle!

CLICK HERE to check all 15 scripts below and save 50%

01 The Boston Tea Party & Intolerable Acts (1773) [FREE DOWNLOAD]

02 The First Continental Congress (1774)

03 Patrick Henry at the Virginia Convention (1775)

04 The Midnight Ride & the Shot Heard Round the World (1775)

05 The Green Mountain Boys & Battle of Bunker Hill (1775)

06 The Second Continental Congress (1775)

07 Common Sense & Declaration of Independence (1776)

08 Crossing the Delaware & Victory at Trenton (1776)

09 Valley Forge & The American Crisis (1777-1778)

10 Foreign Allies: Lafayette and France (1777-1778)

11 Sybil Ludington and Molly Pitcher (1777)

12 Alexander Hamilton and His Duel (1780s-1804)

13 Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris (1781 - 1783)

14 George Washington Stepping Down (1783)

15 Slavery and the American Revolution (1770s-1780s)