This is a crash course introduction to Shakespeare for kids! William Shakespeare's plays are considered some of the most important literary works in the English language, and studying his works can be a great way for kids to learn classic literature, as well as theater arts.

During this course your student will learn the following: 

- Who William Shakespeare was, and why he is important to learn about
- An overview of his complete works, including plays and sonnets
- Storyline, plot, character development and theme
- Vocabulary (translating old English words into modern day English)
- Famous, well-known quotes and phrases (learn a few Shakespearean insults, pranks and jokes!)
- History of English theater and performing arts

Each week, we will be analyzing a different play. The four plays that have been chosen are the following: 

Week 1: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Week 2: Romeo and Juliet 
Week 3: Richard III
Week 4: The Tempest

Our classes will be presented via Nearpod, which is an external website. At the beginning of each class I will provide a direct link and/or code for students to log in using an internet browser OR the Nearpod app on a tablet/smartphone. Our presentation includes videos, comic strips/graphic novels, slideshows of historical costumes and props, virtual field trips of the Globe Theater, Verona, Italy, Stratford-upon-Avon and other related settings, facts about modern day adaptations, whiteboard drawings, collaborations and team exercises, and more!

During our Nearpod presentation, students will be asked to collaborate with one another, participate verbally and to use their device or computer by drawing, typing and watching short videos together. This is a very interactive course, but nonverbal participation is also possible with the chat feature. You can use a separate tablet or smartphone to access the Nearpod presentation, but some of the features (such as the drawing/whiteboard segments) are easier to see on a larger screen. It is important that learners are comfortable navigating to a separate browser, open tabs, minimize their screen and access their computer taskbar if needed. Also, please note that the class recording does not display the Nearpod lesson, as that is conducted on a separate browser window and is not shared onscreen. If you miss a class you can request a student-paced version of the Nearpod lesson to complete. 

There is no assigned homework and it is not a requirement to read the plays or complete any assignments outside of class time. We will be focusing primarily on enjoying Shakespeare's works as a young reader and theater enthusiast.