Shakespeare Kids (Flex) Part II: Discover Four More Famous Plays

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. I offer this class in a live format as well, but the flex class is a great alternative for any who have difficulty matching their schedule with mine. There is also a part III course with four more plays! 

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: Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
Week 2: Twelfth Night, or What You Will
Week 3: Henry V
Week 4: Macbeth

Our classes will be presented via private Nearpod lesson, which is an external website that does not require an account login. The student-paced presentation includes videos, comic strips/graphic novels, slideshows of historical costumes and props, 360° virtual field trips of the Globe Theater, Denmark (Kronberg Castle), France, Scotland and other related settings, facts about modern day adaptations, whiteboard drawings, collaborations, games, quizzes and more! There is audio playback for each slide and text block, and there is no requirement to meet live or appear onscreen. 

At the end of each Nearpod lesson, there is a project for the student to complete and share in the Outschool classroom. This assignment is intended to encourage participation and interaction with their fellow flex learners. 

Week 1: Memorize Hamlet's most famous soliloquy and record yourself! Share with the classroom if you like. Alternatively, you can memorize Ophelia's monologue (Act 3, Scene 1). 

Week 2: "If music be the food of love...play on!" Music is an important theme in this play. Design a soundtrack for Twelfth Night using whatever music you want: classical, traditional or modern-day music! You can create a playlist or tell us the names of the songs you would choose. 

Week 3: Prepare for battle! design a coat of arms and learn about medieval armory/weaponry as we learn about the famous Battle of Agincourt, featured in Henry V. 

Week 4: Write an alternate ending to Macbeth and discuss alternate plots. Share your alternate ending in the classroom and discuss it with your fellow classmates.