Read-Along Radio Dramas use both visual and auditory sensory modes to develop the full range of language arts skills including an intuitive sense for the sound patterns of the English language and a reading rate appropriate to the material being read. The kits were designed for use with language arts students in 6th grade through adult levels. Students follow along on word-for-word scripts as they listen to the recorded audio drama with full casts and sound effects. The high interest audio production promotes enthusiastic responses from students. When used as whole- class read-along, the kits solve the age-old problem of some students not reading the assignment. Read-Along Radio Dramas may be used with all language arts areas and ability levels (English, reading, drama, ESL, special education, etc.) to improve reading, writing, listening and visualization skills. Each kit includes: A cassette recording, a word-for-word script with duplication rights, seven or more student activity sheets, discussion/writing questions, answer keys, a literary terms study packet, specific teaching suggestions for the story title, strategies for teaching read-along in the secondary classroom, an annotated script of the original story (when major changes are made in the adaptation), and a sample lesson plan. Common classroom uses: Whole-class literature study. Learning Stations—Individual (home school for instance) or small group activities. Models for writing and producing classroom plays. Emergency Lesson Plans—When teacher is absent, students are engaged in appropriate activities.
Author
Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce (1842-1914) was an American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, fabulist and satirist. Today, he is best known for his short story, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and his satirical lexicon, The Devil's Dictionary. The sardonic view of human nature that informed his work – along with his vehemence as a critic, with his motto "nothing matters" – earned him the nickname "Bitter Bierce." Despite his reputation as a searing critic, however, Bierce was known to encourage younger writers, including poet George Sterling and fiction writer W. C. Morrow. Bierce employed a distinctive style of writing, especially in his stories. This style often embraces an abrupt beginning, dark imagery, vague references to time, limited descriptions, the theme of war, and impossible events. Bierce disappeared in December 1913 at the age of 71. He is believed to have traveled to Mexico to gain a firsthand perspective on that country's ongoing revolution. Despite an abundance of theories, Bierce's ultimate fate remains a mystery. He wrote in one of his final letters: "Good-bye. If you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags, please know that I think it is a pretty good way to depart this life. It beats old age, disease, or falling down the cellar stairs. To be a Gringo in Mexico—ah, that is euthanasia!"
