PicoBuddy

A Day in Ancient Rome

PicoBuddyUpper ElementaryReader's Theater2 min read

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A Day in Ancient Rome

Characters:

  • Marcus: A young Roman boy.
  • Titus: Marcus’s father.

(Scene: The courtyard of Marcus's home in Ancient Rome. Morning light. Marcus is getting ready for the day.)

Marcus: Father, are we going to the Forum today?

Titus: (Smiling) Yes, Marcus. But first, you must finish your breakfast. Some bread and olives will give you strength for the day.

Marcus: (Eating quickly) I am ready now! I want to see the senators and hear the speeches.

Titus: Patience, young one. The Forum is busy, but we must also visit the baths. Cleanliness is important, even for future senators.

Marcus: (Grumbling playfully) But the baths take so long! All that scrubbing and steaming.

Titus: It's part of Roman life, Marcus. Besides, you can meet your friends there. After the baths, we will go to the market. Your mother needs fresh fish and some grapes.

Marcus: (Excitedly) Will we see the gladiators training near the market?

Titus: Perhaps. If we have time. Remember, your mother also wants us to visit the temple. We must give thanks to the gods for our good fortune.

Marcus: (Nodding) Of course, Father. The gods are important.

Titus: Good. Then after the temple, we can finally go to the Forum. You can see the great orators and learn about the laws of Rome.

Marcus: (Eyes wide with anticipation) This will be a great day, Father!

Titus: (Putting his hand on Marcus's shoulder) Indeed, it will, my son. Now, let us begin our day in Ancient Rome.

Glossary
Forum:
A public square in ancient Rome, used for meetings, speeches, and markets.
Senator:
A member of the Roman Senate, a powerful council that helped govern Rome.
Gladiator:
A person who fought in public shows in ancient Rome.
Orator:
A skilled public speaker.
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About this reader's theater passage for Upper Elementary

ā€œA Day in Ancient Romeā€ is a reader's theater reading passage about Ancient Rome, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (253 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

Is this passage free?

Yes. You can read ā€œA Day in Ancient Romeā€ online for free and download a printable PDF worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

What reading level is ā€œA Day in Ancient Romeā€?

It’s written for Upper Elementary — a reader's theater text about Ancient Rome, about a 2-minute read (253 words).

What’s included with this passage?

An illustrated reading passage, a glossary of key terms, comprehension questions with an answer key, and an interactive quiz.

Can I adapt it for my students?

Yes. With a free account you can remix it to a different grade level or translate it to another language in one click.