Readers Theater from the Bus Boycott: In the Jailhouse with Dr. King

"In the Jailhouse" is an original play commissioned specifically for Black History Month. It tells the story of an angry young teenager during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1956. It not only teaches about MLK’s policy of non-violence, it also challenges today’s kids who are struggling with poverty and hopelessness to overcome their hostilities. King’s encouragement that you are as good as anyone will resonate with many of your students. The phrase, as well as the rest of King words during the play, are from his own writings, and the incidents and events from the play are based on historical accounts, but because the play’s main character is imagined, the story is classified as historical fiction. Suitable for reader’s theater, podcast, or stage performance, it can be adapted to include music from the Civil Rights Movement. From seven to fourteen parts, use it with students in grades 5 through 9 to improve fluency, build comprehension, and engage learners. Fully reproducible: the original purchaser is licensed to reproduce one classroom set per year. Includes a comprehension activity and key along with teacher notes. Note: this item has been screened for culture sensitivity, but given the content, be sure to preview before purchasing and discuss with students before reading.