Timeline
Fall
The Crucible Success
-
Students performed The Crucible, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the text.
-
Role sign-ups became competitive, with students eager to participate.
-
After finishing, students expressed a strong desire to read another play.
Winter
Much Ado About Nothing Performance
-
The University of Michigan came to my school to perform a production of Much Ado About Nothing. My classes were invited to come, roughly 60% attended.
-
Many experienced live Shakespeare for the first time, deepening their interest.
Early Spring
Introduction to Shakespeare Basics
& Understanding Shakespeare’s Language
-
Since Shakespeare is no longer taught at any grade level in the district, students needed foundational knowledge.
-
Lessons covered Shakespeare’s life, historical context, and the significance of his works.
-
Engaged students with activities decoding Early Modern English.
-
Explored iambic pentameter, wordplay, and common misconceptions about Shakespearean language
Future
Continuing Work
-
Expand Shakespeare’s presence in the curriculum, advocating for its return to the district.
-
Develop a performance-based approach to literature, making classic texts more interactive.
-
Integrate more interdisciplinary connections, linking Shakespearean themes to modern literature and history.
-
Present a Shakespeare Literature course to the curriculum team as an English elective.
Spring
Reading and Performing Shakespeare
-
Intro presentation for Much Ado About Nothing.
-
Students selected roles for reading aloud.
-
Students analyzed character motivations, themes, and dramatic techniques.
-
Connected Shakespeare’s themes to historical and literary contexts (The Book of the Courtier & A Room of One’s Own).
-
Discussed Renaissance ideals and gender roles as a prelude to Shakespearean analysis.
-
Incorporated performance-based writing assessments to enhance engagement.