Lesson Plan
Shakespeare Club
| Subject: | Literacy |
| Grade span: | 3 to 5 |
| Duration: | 45 minutes, two days per week |
Click here to view a Video Example of this type of lesson.Description:
This lesson is one example of how you can implement a story and literature dramatization. In this lesson, a cast of third through fifth graders are studying Shakespeare's life and work as part of an afterschool program's Shakespeare Club. Students memorize a part in A Midsummer Night's Dream, create costumes and a set, and build literacy skills in a fun, engaging way.Learning Goals:
- Read and learn about the life of William Shakespeare
- Read and understand a Shakespeare play
- Study characters
- Help create a costume and set
- Practice reading, memorizing, and presenting a play
Materials:
- One copy of a Shakespeare play for each student
- Costume materials and accessories for characters
- Set materials, as needed
Preparation:
- Read and review play
- Identify, setting, main characters, themes, and plot
- List any new vocabulary
- Develop questions for review
- Develop schedule for practicing and presenting the play
What to Do:
- Introduce play and author
- Review setting, main characters, theme, and plot
- Engage students in a discussion of the plot and characters
- Audition for parts and let students choose roles for stage management, and costume and set design
- Have students rehearse the play by reading through the play multiple times and working to memorize their lines
- Students work to create the set for the play and the necessary costumes
- Have students perform the play for fellow students and parents
Evaluate (Outcomes to look for):
- Student engagement in story, characters, and plot
- Expressive, fluent reading
- Reading and comments that reflect an understanding of literature and characters
- Creative set design and costumes
- Collaboration among students
- A presentation that reflects knowledge and understanding of the play
