Mastering Monologues

Objective

By the end of the lesson, 11th-grade students will be able to:

• Understand the importance of monologues in drama.
• Analyze and interpret a given monologue.
• Perform a monologue with emotional depth and clarity.

Standards

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.4: Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

Materials

• Printed copies of selected monologues (one per student)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Stopwatch or timer
• Notebooks and pens

Lesson Structure

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

1. Quick Rundown: Briefly explain what a monologue is and its role in drama. Emphasize that a monologue is a speech delivered by a single character that reveals inner thoughts or a significant moment in the narrative.

2. Icebreaker Activity:

   • Ask students to think of a memorable speech or dialogue from a movie or TV show they recently watched.
   • Have each student share their choice and explain why it was impactful.

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Discussion on Monologues:

   • Distribute the printed monologues to students.
   • Lead a discussion on what makes an effective monologue (e.g., emotional depth, character insight, etc.). Use the whiteboard to jot down key points.
   • Highlight examples of famous monologues (e.g., Shakespeare's "To be, or not to be" or a notable monologue from contemporary drama).

2. Analyzing a Monologue:

   • Select one of the monologues distributed and read it aloud as a class.
   • Analyze the text line-by-line, discussing the character's emotions, motivations, and context.
   • Engage students by asking questions such as: "What is the character feeling here?" or "Why do you think the character says this?"

Activity (20 minutes)

1. Silent Rehearsal (5 minutes):

   • Allow students a few minutes to silently read and internalize their assigned monologues.
   • Encourage them to make notes on how they would like to deliver certain lines or the emotions to portray.

2. Paired Rehearsal (5 minutes):

   • Pair students up.
   • Have one student perform their monologue while the other observes and provides constructive feedback.
   • Switch roles after 2.5 minutes.

3. Class Performances (10 minutes):

   • Each student performs their monologue in front of the class.
   • Encourage respectful listening and applause after each performance.
   • Provide each student with one specific positive comment and one area for improvement.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Reflect and Share:

   • Have students jot down one thing they learned about performing monologues and one thing they found challenging.
   • Share responses with the class to foster collective learning.

2. Homework Assignment:

   • Ask students to find a monologue from a play, book or film that inspires them and prepare it for the next lesson. They will perform it and provide a brief explanation of its context.

Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Observe students during the paired rehearsal and class performances. Look for understanding of the monologue’s emotional depth and clarity in delivery.
• Student Reflection: Collect and review students' reflections on their learning and challenges faced.

This detailed and structured lesson plan engages students in understanding and performing monologues, aligning with US education standards. The interactive activities are tailored to capture the interest and aptitudes of 11th-grade students in a meaningful and impactful way.