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 two 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

Our classes will be presented via Nearpod, 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, Verona, Italy, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

• Design a fairy costume (male or female character). Sketch it out using a provided template, and the class will discuss how you might turn your design into a wearable costume. You can also share a photo of a DIY costume if you like.

• Write an alternate ending to Romeo and Juliet. The class will discuss your idea and their opinions on it; for example, how does your ending affect the families involved? Bonus project: invent your own retelling of the story in a modern setting.

• Fact vs. Fiction: what is propaganda and how does it affect how we learn about history and current events? Students will learn the plot of the play, Richard III, as well as historical and archaeological facts. In the Outschool classroom they will be asked to view a TV commercial along with a worksheet containing questions on how a consumer might be influenced by the message in the advertisement. We will discuss how this practice can be implemented when studying Shakespeare's historical plays. 

• Set Design and Technology: learners will be assigned the job of set designer, using our team collaborate/vision board. Our Nearpod lesson focuses on the 2016 RSC production of The Tempest, which features several examples of digital special effects during the live performances.