Lesson Plan # 3- A Story That Lasts the Ages

Subject Area: English-Language Arts

Grade Level: Grade 9

Unit Title: Romeo and Juliet

Lesson Title: A Story that Lasts the Ages

Connection to State and National Standards:

From the National Language Arts Standards:

·         Standard 1: Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.

·         Standard 2: Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.

·         Standard 6: Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.

·         Standard 7: Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.

·         Standard 8: Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to...

·         Read works from William Shakespeare and be able to interpret them.

Materials:

·         Book

o   Romeo and Juliet. Appignanesi, R. & Leong, S. (2007) New York, NY: Amulet Books. ISBN: 9780810993259

·         Video

o   Romeo + Juliet. Luhrmann, B. (1996) United States: Bazmark Films.

Preparation:

·         Students will read the original version of Romeo and Juliet and well as the manga version.

·         Instructor will send permission slip home with students to watch Romeo + Juliet.

Presentation:

·         Students will watch Romeo + Juliet in class.

·         Class will conduct a discussion about the three versions of Romeo and Juliet they have been exposed to.

Application:

·         Students will write an opinion essay comparing the three versions of Romeo and Juliet.

o   How are they different?  How are they the same?

o   How is it that this story has endured so long and can be redone in so many ways?

Evaluation:

Upon completion of:

·         The essay, students will be evaluated on the key points they made comparing and contrasting the versions of Romeo and Juliet.

·         The essay, students will be evaluated on the outside research they did; such as using quotes from one of the versions.

Closure:

·         A class discussion will occur to inform students on the common points made through all of the essays.