Do you like watching TV shows or movies with ghosts, sword fights, magic, love, jokes, adventure, or danger? I suspect that you do! Just because William Shakespeare wrote his plays over 400 years ago doesn't mean they don't relate to us today. What imaginative storytelling took place in the Globe theatre? What human experiences did Shakespeare include in his plays? And how can we make connections between Shakespeare's stories and our modern world?

Let's check out some famous scenes from a handful of Shakespeare's magnificent plays -- Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Twelfth Night.

✅Course Overview:
In this class, I will assist students in exploring several important scenes from some of the Bard's most well-known dramatic works. The goal is not only exposure to important works of the English language, but also discovery of how Shakespeare doesn't have to be difficult or boring. I strive to help students appreciate the relevance of Shakespeare and have fun with it along the way! Each class, we will view several short videos clips of key scenes from the plays...before looking at the text. (After all, Shakespeare's plays were meant to be watched, not read.) Then, when looking at the text, we will talk about why it is powerful. Some key concepts will include: language and poetry techniques, characterization, conflict, theme, blank verse, iambic pentameter, soliloquy, and stage directions, to name a few. I will provide direct instruction and guided learning techniques to facilitate students' reading & literature analysis skills. There will be a multitude of reading comprehension and discussion questions sprinkled throughout each class. The class is a mixture of formal instruction and interactive, low-stakes reading practice and discussion. 😀

Lesson sequence for each class:
1. Warm-Up Question: Prior knowledge, open-ended connections question based on play's theme(s).
2. Key Info ("Need to Know"): Instruction on key Shakespeare information, drama terms, or poetry terms.
3. Play Overview (“Just the Gist”): Main themes, major characters, and significant conflicts of the play in plain English. 
4. Video Clips: Stage or movie versions of the scenes we will analyze. See the "Sources" section for the list of specific video clips.
5. Reading the Script: Determine the meaning of the text. Discuss the language techniques and literary value of the scenes. Activities will vary each class to meet the needs and interests of different types of learners.
6. Exit Question: Share final thoughts and real-world connections.

Class 1:
Scenes from ROMEO AND JULIET

Class 2:
Scenes from HAMLET

Class 3:
Scenes from MACBETH

Class 4:
Scenes from TWELFTH NIGHT 

✅Course Format:
The format of this course will include on-screen video viewing, guided reading, and teacher instruction with Google slides (only as a screen-share); verbal or typed question-and-answer between students and teacher; and verbal or typed discussion between students. Teacher assistance and feedback will be provided throughout the lesson. 

✅Mrs. Grysko's Teaching Style:
I use the instructional model of “I Do, We Do, You Do.” 
🍎I first teach terms, definitions, and reading skills directly, all while showing exemplars and demonstrating how to apply the new knowledge (hence, “I Do” the teaching). 
🍎Next, in the “We Do” stage, I guide students in practicing the key skills by helping them look at a text closely. I provide immediate, in-class feedback, such as clarifying misunderstanding and assisting with correct application of skills. (When we read something new, no one is expected to be perfect, and in my class, we positively support each other while we learn!)
🍎Finally, it’s the “You Do” stage: Students show off what they’ve learned by trying out the reading comprehension techniques on their own. Of course, I’ll be there to help, but this part of the process is the key to retention and ownership of the learning. 
🍎Everyone learns at a different pace. I will work to ensure all learners are understanding the foundational skills within the class before moving on to the more advanced concepts. I will also offer support for students who need extra help and, wherever possible, more rigorous questions/options for students who are up for the challenge! 

✅Mrs. Grysko’s Class Participation Expectations:
✏️During class, I'll ask learners to respond to various questions and quick check-ins. This helps me 1) assess each student’s progress and 2) offer immediate help if needed. Learners may choose to respond by speaking, typing in the chat, and/or using the “reactions” feature on Zoom. 
✏️Zoom's video feature is very helpful for me to monitor your child’s learning and understanding. I encourage all students to keep their Zoom video on during the duration of class. Learners may, however, choose to turn their video off after an initial video check-in if they prefer. Active participation verbally and/or in the chat is required so that I know the student is working and understanding the content.
✏️I have so much planned for your child’s learning! Any class activities we do not get to during the live class will be assigned for homework. In most circumstances, the homework is optional (but recommended), and, unless otherwise stated, the homework should take no more than 10-15 minutes. FOR ANY WRITING HOMEWORK: I will assign the homework via Outschool student message and/or parent message. Learners should reply to the message with their homework responses, and I will give feedback within 24 hours. I highly recommend that students complete any assigned homework to get the most out of the class!