Kidnapper or kindly old woman? Kids stage the trial of Mary Witch and must decide if Mary kidnapped Hansel and Gretel or in fact was trying to save them. A script and complete directions are included in the 17-page packet.

Concepts

mock trial

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Ask older learners to create mock trial scripts for other tales
• If a judge is unavailable to take part in the activity, arrange for the principal, parent, or another teacher to play the part

Pros

• Scripted parts include testimony by Daisy Deer, Jack Rabbit, and Verl Squirrel
• The testimonies are designed so that arguments can be made for Mary's innocence or guilt

Cons

• The activity would work best with older, more accomplished readers