L E S S O N P L A N

SUBJECT: Theater Arts (Visual and Performing Arts)

GRADE LEVEL: 8^th Grade (± 2 Grades)

DURATION OF LESSON: Three-Four 40 minute periods

LESSON TITLE: The Wonders of Shakespearean Theater: Romeo & Juliet

NJ CORE CURRICULUM CONTENT STANDARDS: 1.1, 1.4 1.5

Students will acquire knowledge and skills that increase aesthetic awareness in dance, music, theater, and visual arts.

1.4 All students will demonstrate knowledge of process and critique

1.5 Students will identify the various historical, social, and cultural influences and traditions which have generated artistic accomplishments throughout the ages and which continue to shape contemporary performing arts.

FOCUS DISCUSSION:

• Discuss the life and times of William Shakespeare and Elizabethan Theater

• Discuss and reading of Romeo & Juliet

• Discuss plot development and characterization through dialogue

OBJECTIVES: After completion of the lesson SWBAT appreciate and interpret characterization and plot development through spoken dialogue. Appreciate the language of William Shakespeare and Elizabethan Theater.

PRE-REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE: none

MATERIALS:

• Copy of Romeo & Juliet text

• Audio CD of selected scenes

• Traditional Elizabethan costumes and props

DESCRIPTION OF LESSON:

TEACHER WILL:

• Lead the students through the a discussion about William Shakespeare and his influence on the English language and English Literature

• Discuss Elizabethan Times and Theater (1400-1600)

• Lead students through staging and acting exercises in traditional Shakespearian style

STUDENTS WILL:

• participate in a discussion about the life and times of William Shakespeare and his influence on the English language and English Literature

• design traditional Elizabethan costumes

• make a model of the original Globe Theater

• observe and listen to selected performances of key scenes from Romeo & Juliet

• read Romeo & Juliet and select a scene to perform as their assessment performance.

ASSESSMENT:

The students will be assigned a scene from Romeo & Juliet to act out, on stage, in traditional Elizabethan style. They will be assessed on accuracy and fluidity of the performance of the scene.

SELF REFLECTION OF LESSON: