Hamster Havoc Script
Grade 3 Readers' Theater
HAMSTER HAVOC
A Short Classroom Play in Three Scenes
My Name: _________________
My Role: ___________________
Characters
- NARRATOR: Tells the story and sets each scene.
- MAYA: The helpful student who feeds the class pet.
- SAM: A funny classmate who gets nervous easily.
- MR. TAN: A kind teacher who helps solve problems.
Setting
Room 3B in the morning. Desks, a bookshelf, and a hamster cage.
Scene 1: The Open Door 8:45 AM • Morning Bell
NARRATOR: The morning bell rings. Students unpack their backpacks. Maya walks over to the class pet cage and gasps.
MAYA: (pointing at the empty cage with wide eyes) Oh no! Look at the cage door! It is wide open, and Nibbles is gone!
SAM: (jumping out of his seat) Gone?! Nibbles escaped! He is out on the loose!
MR. TAN: (setting down his marker and speaking in a calm voice) Let us stay calm, class. Nibbles cannot go far. Maya, did you lock the cage yesterday?
MAYA: I checked the water, but Sam was the last one to give Nibbles a carrot.
SAM: (looking down at his shoes nervously) Uh-oh. I am getting cold feet! That means I feel scared and nervous! What if this is all my fault?
MR. TAN: (smiling kindly) Do not worry, Sam. Mistakes happen. Right now, let us work together as a team to search Room 3B!
Hamster Havoc • Readers' Theater Turn page for Scene 2 ➔
Hamster Havoc • Scenes 2 & 3 Grade 3 Play (RL.3.2 • RL.3.4 • RL.3.5)
Scene 2: The Clue Trail 9:00 AM • The Search
NARRATOR: Maya, Sam, and Mr. Tan look quietly around the room. Maya looks on the floor near the bookshelf.
MAYA: (pointing to the rug) Look! A trail of tiny sunflower seed shells! It leads behind the big green plant!
SAM: (taking a deep breath) I need to tell the truth. Yesterday, I forgot to push the latch until it clicked. I was in a rush to catch the bus. I am sorry!
MR. TAN: (patting Sam on the shoulder) Thank you for spilling the beans, Sam. That means sharing the secret and telling the truth. Being honest is always the best choice.
Scene 3: Found at Last! 9:15 AM • The Big Discovery
NARRATOR: Maya and Sam peek behind the big green plant on the windowsill. Leaves shake softly.
MAYA: (whispering with a big smile) Look! Two tiny ears and a pink nose! Nibbles made a cozy nap spot in the dirt!
SAM: (holding out a slice of apple) Here you go, Nibbles. Let us take you back home. This time, I will make sure the door goes click!
MR. TAN: (smiling at the students) Great job! When we tell the truth and work together, solving a problem is a piece of cake!
MAYA & SAM: (laughing together) Mmm, did somebody say cake?!
NARRATOR: The class giggles as Nibbles munches his apple safely in his cage.
THE END: The actors take a bow!
Moral: Honesty and teamwork solve problems best.
Hamster Havoc • Readers' Theater [END OF PLAY]
Hamster Havoc Questions Worksheet
Multiple Choice Comprehension • Grade 3
HAMSTER HAVOC QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question based on the script.
Name: __________________________
Date: _____________ Score: ___ / 5
1 Theme & Key Details Standard RL.3.2
Part A: What is the central lesson (moral) of the play?
A Hamsters must only eat fresh carrots and apples.
B Being honest and working as a team solves problems best.
C It is better to hide mistakes so nobody gets upset.
D Classroom pets should never be taken out of their cages.
Part B: Which line from the script best supports the answer to Part A?
A "Backpacks thump against cubbies, and everyone is chatting..."
B "Look at the cage door! It is wide open, and Nibbles is gone!"
C "When we tell the truth and work together, solving a problem is a piece of cake!"
D "Nibbles made a cozy nap spot in the dirt!"
2 Character Actions & Lesson Standard RL.3.2
In Scene 2, Sam admits that he forgot to lock the cage latch. How does Sam's action lead to the central lesson of the play?
A By telling the truth, Sam helps the group stop worrying and work together to find Nibbles.
B By blaming Maya, Sam teaches the class that pet monitors have the hardest job.
C By offering Nibbles an apple, Sam shows that hamsters always prefer fruit over seeds.
D By running out of the room, Sam proves that accidents cannot be fixed.
3 Drama Structure: Comparing Scenes Standard RL.3.5
How does Scene 2 change the direction of the play compared to Scene 1?
A In Scene 1, students run outside; in Scene 2, they return to the cafeteria.
B In Scene 1, characters panic and worry; in Scene 2, they work together to follow clues and tell the truth.
C In Scene 1, Nibbles goes to sleep; in Scene 2, Nibbles leaves the school building.
D In Scene 1, Maya blames Mr. Tan; in Scene 2, Mr. Tan blames Maya.
4 Vocabulary: Idioms RL.3.4
In Scene 1, Sam says, "I am getting cold feet!" What does cold feet mean in the story?
A Sam forgot to put socks on today.
B Sam feels nervous and scared.
C Sam wants to play in the winter snow.
D Sam's sneakers feel too tight.
5 Vocabulary: Idioms RL.3.4
In Scene 2, Mr. Tan thanks Sam for "spilling the beans." What does mean?
