Shakespeare is one of the most iconic playwrights of all time, and his influence on language and literature is still clearly seen today. It is never too early to start fostering a love for Shakespeare, and in this class, students will be introduced to two of his most fantasy-based works.

This class will use video clips from live performances, fun crafts, and interactive discussions to spark a love of Shakespeare. My teaching style encourages student participation and offers positive feedback. All I ask students to bring is their positive attitudes and a willingness to learn!

These four weeks are designed to give students a solid introductory grasp of Shakespeare, his influences, and two of his plays. Our schedule is as follows:

Week 1: Who was Shakespeare? This week, we will discuss Shakespeare's beginnings, rise to fame, and influence. Students will make their own Elizabethan Ruff.

Week 2: The Elizabethan Era. Shakespeare's play often reflected the society around him. During our second week, we will learn about the Elizabethan Era, and how theatre operated during it. Students will create their own Globe Theatre out of paper.

Week 3: Midsummer Night's Dream. Students will learn about Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Students will discuss the characters, themes, and plot, and make their own masks based on the characters.

Week 4: The Tempest. Students will learn about Shakespeare's "The Tempest". Students will discuss the characters, themes, and plot, and make their own Shipwreck in a Bottle.

Students are not required to have any prior knowledge of Shakespeare but should be at an independent reading level.

** Due to some of the mature themes found in Shakespeare's works, we will be discussing specifically selected passages and summaries of the plays that are age-appropriate, rather than reading the full works **

**For the sections offered that are 4 consecutive days, please apply the week syllabus to each day: Week 1 = Day 1, etc.**