Discovering Shakespeare

Overview

Grade Level: 6th Grade
Subject: English
Duration: 60 minutes
Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.9: Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.

Lesson Objectives

• Introduce students to William Shakespeare and his influence on the English language.
• Explore the elements of a play through interactive activities.
• Engage students with creative expression inspired by Shakespearean themes.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Copies of a short excerpt from "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" (Act 2, Scene 2)
• List of Shakespearean words and phrases with modern translations
• Index cards
• Props for a brief play-acting activity
• Projector or large screen (optional for visual aids)

Lesson Plan Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Hook (5 minutes):
   Begin with a short, engaging story about Shakespeare’s time, mentioning his importance and connection to modern language. For example, start with "Did you know many of the phrases we use today come from a man who lived over 400 years ago?"

2. Brief Overview (5 minutes):
   Introduce William Shakespeare briefly. Talk about his life in the Elizabethan era and how he contributed to English literature. Mention well-known plays like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet" to spark interest.

Activity 1: Shakespearean Language Exploration (15 minutes)

• Word Wallets:
  Provide each student with an index card. On one side, write a Shakespearean word/phrase (e.g., "thou", "wherefore", "art thou mad?") and on the other, its modern translation.
• Activity:
  Students pair up and exchange "Word Wallets," trying to guess the meanings before checking the translations. Discuss how language evolves over time and how Shakespeare contributed to this.

Activity 2: Scene Familiarization (20 minutes)

• Reading Exercise:
  Distribute printed copies of a short and accessible scene from "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." Divide the class into small groups, each assigned to read aloud different characters. Encourage expressive reading and fun interpretations.

• Discussion:
  After reading, discuss the main themes in the scene. Use questions like "What was happening in the scene?" and "How did the characters feel?". Highlight Shakespeare’s themes, such as love and dreams, and their universal relevance.

Activity 3: Creative Expression through Mini Theatre (10 minutes)

• Role-play:
  Using simple props, allow groups to act out their favorite part of the scene they read. Encourage creativity by allowing groups to modernize their dialog while retaining the essence of the original script.

• Feedback Session:
  Peers provide constructive feedback on the performances, focusing on expression, creativity, and understanding of themes.

Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Wrap-up Discussion:
  Ask students to reflect on what they found surprising or interesting about Shakespeare and his language. Encourage them to share their thoughts about how Shakespeare’s works might still have relevance today.

• Exit Ticket (Optional):
  On a small sheet of paper, students write one Shakespearean word or phrase they learned today and a sentence using that word or phrase in a modern context.

Assessment

• Student participation during activities
• Engagement in role-play
• Understanding demonstrated through discussions and exit tickets

Homework (Optional)

• Research another famous play by Shakespeare and write a paragraph summarizing its plot or main theme. Encourage students to find modern influences or adaptations in books, movies, or plays.

This lesson plan aims not only to teach Shakespeare as a historical figure but also to make his language and themes accessible and relevant to 6th-grade students.