A group of friends spend the night in tents in Julie's back yard. They bring their favorite books along and talk about the stories. They decide to write a new version of The Teddy Bears' Picnic and develop a play to give to the kindergarten class. They also plan games and a picnic for the children. RL2-001.

In the past, circus trains were a familiar sight in many small towns. In this script, a family and their friends go to the train station to see the circus arrive. They watch the parade of animals move to the nearby field. Then the family and friends have lunch while watching the big top being set up. RL2-020.

Ocean week is celebrated in April. The estuary plays an important role in the continuing life of the ocean. In this script, Andy must watch a television show about estuaries for his science class. His younger sister, who wants to watch cartoons, finally settles in to watch with Andy and learns about the role of estuaries in the life of water animals. RL2-002.

When mountain men sat around the campfire, they enjoyed telling stories of their adventures. In this story from the 1700s, several men discuss another trapper's encounter with a grizzly bear, the appearance of a man who seems to have been scared to death, and the disappearance of two other trappers. Listeners are encouraged to determine what really happened in this historical mystery. With the exception of the opening remarks by the narrator, the reading level is grade 2. RL2-003.

Bear has listened to the Hopi Indians discuss their concerns for the future. He shares their observations with the other animals. Use this story to lead a discussion about beginning the new year with respect for the earth. RL2-004.

In Native American and African lore the trickster appears in many different forms. He usually fools the people in some manner. In this story about the earth, Rabbit is welcomed by Native American Indians to their dance. Rabbit proves to be a fine dancer, but he steals a coal from the fire. The people chase him, but he escapes. The next time he steals fire, he sets grass fires outside his den. Finally, the tribe learns that Rabbit is swimming across the ocean with the fire. Thus fire is distributed around the world. RL2-005.

In this adaptation of an Italian folk tale, Bertha sends her foolish son out in the world to sell some cloth. In spite of his foolishness, he obtains a large amount of gold for the cloth. Then he trades the gold for a few pennies. Finally, he accidentally scares off a band of robbers, and he takes their money home for himself and his mother. RL2-006.

In this tale from Scotland, a queen tries to live on a farm with her three children. When a giant steals cabbages from the garden, each child tries to stop the giant. After the giant kidnaps each in turn, the youngest tricks him into returning them to their mother. RL2-007.

Cinderella has been married ten years. Her husband became king, and they had three children. Unfortunately he died, and she has to find a way to earn money. She calls on her fairy tale friends for advice. Goldilocks, Beauty, and Marie all tell her how they became successful. Together they suggest that she capitalize on what she does best, and Cinderella begins a catering service with her stepsisters. RL2-008.

In this English tale, a little dog saves a family from the hobyahs (hobby-ahs) until the old man kills the dog. The hobyahs eat the old man and woman, and then they kidnap the little girl, who is rescued by a hunter. The repetitive language makes this script easy for beginning or reluctant readers. The surprise ending will be enjoyed by all ages. RL2-009

Johnny Appleseed has died and his friends are discussing their memories of him. They recall how he loved apples and how he devoted his life to planting apple orchards. Johnny’s unusual lifestyle is appreciated through their stories. RL2-010.

As early as the seventeenth century, Mexican cowboys took part in rodeos, called Charros. In the 1900s, Charros became the national sport of Mexico. As people from Mexico came to the United States, they brought Charros with them. From bronco riding to calf roping, Charros has become a part of the American western tradition. In this script, Juan faces his first calf roping. He discusses the events with his friends while he waits his turn to ride. RL2-011.

In this adaptation of a Brothers Grimm folktale, a magic table ensures a lifetime of feasts and thanksgiving. When a father thinks his two sons are not allowing the goat to graze enough, he sends his sons away. After discovering the goat's deceit, the father feels alone and regretful. The sons' employees give them magic gifts which they use for their family. RL2-012.

Megan enjoys watching the fairies in the garden, but her sibling, Jamie, doesn't believe in them. Finally, Jamie agrees to visit the garden. Not only does Jamie see the fairies, but the children discover why Megan is able to see them. They also learn the important role fairies play in keeping gardens growing during the night.RL2-013.

This Canadian folktale takes place in a time long ago, when the few people who lived were spread out over long distances. In the story, the animals rule the earth. When a young boy becomes angry, he creates trouble for all creatures by catching the sun in a snare. A giant mouse, the biggest animal on earth at the time, saves the sun for everyone. RL2-014.

Mr. Justin’s class has finished studying George Washington Carver and the peanut. They’ve discovered many uses for the peanut. To review the information, Mr. Justin is having students answer trivia questions in teams. The first set of teams answers a variety of questions, demonstrating their knowledge. RL2-015.

Laura Ingalls' childhood was marked by frequent moves as her father tried to earn a living for the family. Throughout her entire life she tried new things. She went to work at a hotel at age eleven, taught school at age fifteen, and married at eighteen. She began to write as an adult and wrote Little House on the Prairie at age sixty. This true pioneer continues to inspire young women. RL2-016.

Davey Crockett and Mike Fink are swapping tales when a grizzly bear threatens them. Without their rifles, it seems that one of them will surely become the bear's dinner. But Sally Ann Thunder saves Davey Crockett by hitting the bear over the head. Mike and Davey join Sally Ann at the harvest dance, where they meet Sally's friends, Sue and Katy. The new friends share more stories and adventures. RL2-017.

In this tale from Iceland, a farmer raised sheep. Every year on Christmas Eve the troll would come and steal the farmer’s shepherd away. Finally, a young boy outsmarts the troll, offering sheep to satisfy his appetite. The third year, the troll takes the boy as well as the sheep. Then the troll befriends the boy, telling him how to find a trade and a wife. When the troll dies, the boy inherits the troll’s treasures and lives a long, rich life. RL2-018.

When a Native American storyteller visits Mrs. Scott's class, the students discover that learning can happen without reading books. Their guest explains how Native Americans use stories to entertain and teach, as well as how the elders taught the stories to other tellers. This would be ideal for introducing the students to storytelling. RL2-019.