7th Grade EnglishTerm V: Introduction to Shakespeare and Drama

Ms. Christine Oh/ Mr. Benjamin Scoville

coh@daltonschool.kr /bscoville@daltonschool.kr

Class Website: http://mrscovillesenglishclass.weebly.com

Interest PacketOutcome: Through reading a Shakespearean play, we will learn about older styles of English, drama, and the rhythm and meter that can be expressed in language. We will also explore the themes of: love, dreams, comedy, trickery, friendship, and illusion versus reality.

Term Introduction: The left image above shows actors portraying characters in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The image on the right is a drawing of the Globe Theatre in London, England, where Shakespeare’s plays have famously been staged. Shakespeare himself was also in an acting company (called Lord Chamberlin’s Company and later, the King’s Company) that acted in and owned part of the Globe theatre.

This term, we will spend our classes studying drama, Shakespearean English, and the Elizabethan Era. We will practice acting and doing dramatic exercises to gain experience with the theatrical world. We will also try using language from Shakespeare’s time to see how English has changed throughout time and location. Finally, we will watch videos (film adaptations) that show actors portraying Shakespearean characters.

Topic OverviewIntroduction to Drama and Performing ArtsIntroduction to Shakespeare and the Elizabethan EraUnderstanding Early Modern English and its VocabularyIdentifying Rhyme Schemes in Poetic VerseRecognizing Themes in a Dramatic Work

Essential QuestionsWhat is drama? What is theatre? What are performing arts? How do they affect our lives today? How were dramatic works presented long ago? How are they done today? What are some famous plays or musicals we know? How are they produced? Who was William Shakespeare? What did he do? What do people actually know about him? What was the Elizabethan Era? What are some ways we can understand difficult texts in Early Modern English? How can we identify rhyme schemes in poetic verse and create similarly-schemed poems of our own? What themes are evident in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream?

Skills ListThese are the skills we will focus on developing this term. All skills are identified according to their number within the CDS English Language Arts Standards. To see the skills in full, please consult these standards. In addition:

Please note that certain skills, such as those related to language and vocabulary, are not listed among the goals of specific lessons because they are not the primary aims of these lessons.

While not mentioned specifically, respect for others, following directions, arriving to class promptly and fully prepared, and behaving with integrity are all skills that are essential to success in this class and in life.

Reading Literature

RL.7.1. Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. RL.7.2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. RL.7.3. Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot). RL.7.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama. RL.7.5. Analyze how a drama’s or poem’s form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning. RL.7.7. Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g. lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film).

Writing

W.7.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. W.7.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. W.7.5. With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.

Speaking and Listening

SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. SL.7.5. Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. SL.7.6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Language L.7.1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when speaking. L.7.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

L.7.6. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Day by Day

Please note that for all classes you must bring the following five (5) items:

All class handouts: You MUST keep these in a binder or file. Notebook for taking notes and doing in-class writing

Reading Log to record all independent reading Pen or pencil

Class books: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

1. Review and Preview Goal: Reviewing the prior term and previewing the term at present Standards: L.7.6, RL.7.5Reflection Journal: Recap of last term: pros, cons, likes, dislikes, etc. Pre-Assessment—Measure prior knowledge of unit skills and conceptsIntroduction to Shakespeare, his plays, and his poems (Handout) Homework: Bring laptops to class for Day #2

2. Introduction to Shakespeare & the Elizabethan EraDue: NothingGoal: Researching and presenting information about Shakespeare and the Elizabethan Era; learning the basics of drama Standards: L.7.6, RL.7.5, RL.7.7, SL.7.6Reflection Journal Distribute Term V Interest Packet, Reading log info, binder and book (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) check NEXT CLASS, Reading Log requirements Web Quest: Researching facts about Drama, Shakespeare, and the Elizabethan Era Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ________________

3. Introduction to Drama & A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Plot(s) and Characters Due: Fact Sheets Posted, Vocabulary Goal: To learn about characters in our class play; introduce Drama and A Midsummer Night’s DreamStandards: SL.7.6, L.7.6, RL.7.5, RL.7.7Reflection Journal (Themes)Introduction to Drama and Shakespeare (teacher presentation): Act, Scene, Dialogue, Monologue, Soliloquy, Aside, Stage Directions, and Roman Numeral ReviewVideo: A Midsummer Night’s Dream movie trailer Plot(s) and Characterization in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (AMND): handout and notes Assign parts for in-class reading /Oral Reading Rubric (handout)Shakespearean insults and vocabulary (handout) Homework: Non-Fiction Reading Assignment Due Class #6. Vocabulary Basics, pages ________________

4. Pre-Reading Activities, Characterization and Conflict: AMND Act I Due: Vocabulary Goal: Understanding Act I, Identifying Characterization and Conflict in AMNDStandards: W.7.4, L.7.6, RL.7.5, RL.7.4, RL.7.7Reflection JournalReview study guide questions/ Vocabulary in contextVideo clips: Act I from various productionsAnswer study guide questions/ Skills Focus: Identifying Characterization and ConflictHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ______________

5. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Reading Act I Aloud, Characterization and Conflict cont. Due: Vocabulary Goal: Understanding and Reading aloud Act I of AMND; reinforcing skills focusStandards: SL.7.4, RL.7.5, RL.7.7, L.7.6Reflection Journals Discuss homework (skills focus) and confusing words/phrases from AMNDRead Act I in class/ Evaluate oral reading fluency. Multiple Choice/Short Answer Quiz #1Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages _______________

6. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Pre-Reading Activities, Themes and Language: AMND Act IIDue: Non-Fiction Reading Assignment, Vocabulary Goal: Understanding Act II, Identifying themes in AMND; introduce rhythm, meter, and rhyme Standards: L.7.4, L.7.6, RL.7.5Reflection JournalsReview study guide questions/ Vocabulary in contextVideo clips: Act II from various productionsAnswer study guide questions/ Skills Focus: Identifying themes/ distinguishing between prose, blank verse, and rhymed verse.Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ________________

7. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Reading Act II Aloud, Themes and Language cont.Due: Vocabulary Goal: Reading Act II of AMND aloud in class, reinforcing skills focus (Themes and Language)Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.5Reflection JournalDiscuss homework (skills focus) and confusing words/phrases from AMNDRead Act I in class/ Evaluate oral reading fluency. Multiple Choice/Short Answer Quiz #2Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ___________________

8. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Writing Assignment #1 (Due: Class #10), Figurative LanguageDue: Vocabulary Goal: Practice researching and writing to inform, Figurative Language (Simile, Metaphor, Personification) Standards: W.7.4, RL.7.5, SL.7.4, L.7.1Reflection JournalActivity: Simile, Metaphor, and PersonificationIntroduce Writing Assignment #1Distribute Non-Fiction Assignment Sheet and RubricReturn Non-fiction Writing Assignment sheets; begin working on Writing Assignment #1 in class. Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages _________________

9. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Pre-Reading Activities, Plot Elements: AMND Act III Due: Vocabulary Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.5Goal: Understanding Act III, introduce plot (exposition, rising action, climax)Reflection JournalReview study guide questions/ Vocabulary in contextVideo clips: Act III, from various productionsAnswer study guide questions/ Skills Focus: Analyze plot elementsHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages _________________

10. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Reading Act III, Scene I Aloud, Plot Elements cont.Due: Writing Assignment #1, Vocabulary Goal: Reading Act III Scene I of AMND aloud in class, reinforcing skills focus (Plot Elements)Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.4, L.7.5Reflection JournalDiscuss homework (skills focus) and confusing words/phrases from AMNDRead Act III, Scene I in class/ Evaluate oral reading fluency. Sign up sheet for lab writing conferenceHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages _______________

11. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Reading Act III, Scene II Aloud, Contrast and Characterization Due: Vocabulary Goal: Reading Act III, Scene II aloud in class, reinforcing skills focus (Contrast and Characterization)Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.5Reflection JournalDiscuss homework (skills focus) and confusing words/phrases from AMNDRead Act III, Scene II in class/ Evaluate oral reading fluency. Multiple Choice/Short Answer Quiz #3Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ___________________

12. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Introduce Final Project Due: Vocabulary Goal: Understanding the final project, elements of theater/performing arts, assign rolesStandards: W.7.4, RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.1Reflection JournalExplain Final Project in Detail Distribute Guidelines, Role List, To-do List/ChecklistHomework: Vocabulary Basics, pages __________________

13. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Pre-Reading Activities, Elements of Theater: AMND Act IVDue: Revision of Writing Assignment #1, Vocabulary Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.5 Goal: Understanding Act IV, familiarity with setting/set design, blocking/stage directions, costume design, propsReflection JournalReview study guide questions/ Vocabulary in contextVideo clips: Act IV from various productionsAnswer study guide questions/ Skills Focus: Analyze Elements of TheaterHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ___________________

14. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Reading Act IV Aloud, Plot ElementsDue: Vocabulary Goal: Reading Act IV aloud in class, reinforcing skills focus (Conflict/Resolution/Comedy vs. Tragedy)Standards: RL.7.5, L.7.5Reflection Journal Discuss homework (skills focus) and confusing words/phrases from AMNDRead Act IV in class/ Evaluate oral reading fluency. Comedy vs. Tragedy, Plot (Falling Action, Resolution)Multiple Choice/Short Answer Quiz #4Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics pages ____________________

15. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Pre-Reading Activities, Elements of Theater: AMND Act VDue: Vocabulary Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.6, W.7.4Goal: Understanding Act V, familiarity with setting/set design, blocking/stage directions, costume design, props Reflection JournalsReview study guide questions/ Vocabulary in contextVideo clips: Act V, from various productionsAnswer study guide questions/ Skills Focus: Analyze Elements of TheaterHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ___________________

16. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Reading Act V Aloud, Elements of Theater cont. Due: Vocabulary Goal: Reading Act V aloud in class, reinforcing skills focus (Elements of Theater)Standards: W.7.4, RL.7.5, L.7.1Reflection JournalDiscuss homework (skills focus) and confusing words/phrases from AMNDRead Act V in class/ Evaluate oral reading fluency. Multiple Choice/Short Answer Quiz #5Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ________________

17. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Review AMND Due: Vocabulary Goal: Reinforce understanding of AMND; review all learning goals and unit concepts Standards: RL.7.5, RL.7.7, L.7.5Reflection JournalWritten reflection and discussion of AMND (themes, characterization, plot, setting, conflict, figurative language, elements of theater and drama, Elizabethan Era, Shakespeare, etc.)(Respond to written prompts—used later for writing assignment #2)Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages _______________

18. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Watch Full Film Adaptation (1995)Due: Vocabulary Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.5 Goal: Understand different interpretations of a dramatic work; analyze various elements of the productionReflection JournalWatch film adaptation of AMNDHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ___________________

19. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Writing Assignment #2 (Due: Class #22)Due: Vocabulary Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.5 Goal: Develop pre-writing strategies; practice analytical writing Reflection JournalsIntroduce Writing Assignment #2Distribute Analytical Writing Guidelines and RubricBegin pre-writing in class. Homework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ___________________

20. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Analysis/ Final Project Preparation Due: Vocabulary Standards: RL.7.5, RL.7.7, SL.7.6Goal: Practice engaging in critical analyses; practice making connections between the world and literatureReflection JournalsJigsaw interpretive, critical, and personal responses to AMNDGroup work on Final ProjectsHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ___________________

21. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Analysis/ Final Project Preparation Due: Vocabulary Goal: Practice engaging in critical analyses; practice making connections between the world and literatureStandards: W.7.4, RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.1Reflection JournalJigsaw interpretive, critical, and personal responses to AMNDGroup work on Final ProjectsHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ____________________

22. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Watch Second Full Film Adaptation (2005) Due: Writing Assignment #2, Vocabulary Goal: Compare different interpretations of a dramatic work; analyze director’s/actors/costume & set designer’s choices.Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.5, RL.7.3Reflection JournalWatch Film Adaptation of AMNDHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ____________________

23. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Comprehensive Review/ Final Project Preparation Due: Vocabulary Goal: Prepare for final exams, clear up misconceptions, reinforce learning goals Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.6, L.7.5Reflection JournalVocabulary AMND BINGO game; Enchanted Forest Beasts activity; Love Potion recipe; drama games; play mapsGroup work on Final ProjectsHomework: To be announced. Vocabulary Basics, pages ____________________

24. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Post Assessment/ Final Project PreparationDue: Vocabulary Goal: Measure progress and assess understanding of unit concepts and learning goals. Standards: RL.7.5, SL.7.1Post AssessmentAMND BINGO game; Enchanted Forest Beasts activity; Love Potion recipe; drama games; play mapsHomework: Final copy (printed out, ready to present) of Final Project Due: Class #25

Classes 25-28: Final Exam; Final Project (Performance); Drawing parallels between text and real life; Revision of Writing Assignment #2, Book Report; Grammar Review

Assessments and ProjectsAs is always the case for middle school English at the Cheongna Dalton School, your grade each term is based

upon the following Grading Breakdown:

Projects: 30% (presentations and written projects)Quizzes: 20% (on the class book and vocabulary)

Homework: 20% (summaries, reflections, reading log)Citizenship: 20% (participation, attitude, in-class reading)

Essays: 10% (book report)

Important Due Dates and Assessment Dates Class #5: Quiz 1 (Act I/ Related skills focus) Class #7: Quiz 2 (Act II/ Related skills focus) Class #11: Quiz 3 (Act III/ Related skills focus) Class #10: Writing Assignment #1 Due, PRINTED OUT Class #13: Revision of Assignment #1 Due, PRINTED OUT Class #14: Quiz 4 (Acts IV/ Related skills focus) Class #16: Quiz 5 (Act V/ Related skills focus) Class #22: Writing Assignment #2 Due, PRINTED OUT Class #25: Final Draft of Final Project due, PRINTED OUT; presentations due Class #27: Revision of Writing Assignment #2 Due, PRINTED OUT Class #27: Book Report Due, PRINTED OUT Vocabulary quizzes: At the end of each unit in the textbook Reading log checks: Every Thursday (7B) or Friday (7A) and the last day of Term 5: class #27

In Class Assessments (Quizzes) Classes #5, 7, 11, 14, and 16: The quizzes in this term are designed to assess: Your ability to analyze story elements (plot, characterization, setting, conflict) figurative language (RL 7.3, 7.4) Your ability to make and support arguments, explain ideas in texts (W7.2, 7.9, 7.10)The following instructions apply to all quizzes:

Quizzes will consist of both multiple-choice questions AND questions that must be answered in the form of analytical paragraphs specifically using evidence from the text.

Quizzes will be entirely open book. No talking whatsoever is allowed during quizzes.

Reflection Journals:Grading will be on a 1-5 scale, based on the inclusion of each of these sentences in a coherent and grammatically correct form reflecting the norms of American English. These assignments assess CDS Writing Standards 7.1, 7.6, 7.7, and 7.8.

Final Project, due class 25Your final project for this term will be: Creating a Play of My Own

This project is designed to assess your understanding of this term’s material, your writing ability, and your ability to develop a dramatic work.

This assesses CDS Writing Standards 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6.

Substantive Requirements: These will be distributed and discussed in Class #12.

Technical Requirements: Your total project should be a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 3000 words with a word count. Per English Department policy, your responses must be written in 1.5 or double spacing in an easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Arial. You must have your name. You must also have all previous drafts stapled to the final projects. Failure to include any of these elements will result in a loss of credit.

Grading Rubric: Grading requirements will also be distributed and discussed in Class #12.

EXPANSION PACK

Helpful Links

http://nfs.sparknotes.com/msnd/ (A Midsummer Night’s Dream in plain (modern) English http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/msnd/ (Summaries and Analysis of A Midsummer Night’s Dream)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huo8jGjNnTk (Animated Short of A Midsummer Night’s Dream)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJS1qi_rSYY (Full Audio Production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream)http://www.myaudioschool.com/?p=7865 (Audio recording of A Midsummer Night’s Dream)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FejD_YaWds (Burlington High School’s Production of ASND)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g88qMH7kmGs (Acting 101: Understanding Your Character)http://vimeo.com/37214396 (Acting 101: Tips for New Actors)http://plays.about.com/od/basics/a/blocking.htm (Stage Directions & Blocking)http://www.ehow.com/how_2276558_block-play.html (More on Stage Direction & Blocking)http://www.pinterest.com/hilarylang/midsummer-night-s-dream-inspiration-costumes/ (Costume Design)http://www.looking4costumes.com/shows/midsummer.html (More Costume Design Inspiration)http://www.pinterest.com/hilarylang/midsummer-night-s-dream-inspiration-sets/ (Set Design for ASND)

Tangential Topics

FantasyDrama, Theatre, Plays, Movies, and TV showsShakespearean Literature, Poetry, and Dramatic WorksAncient and Modern-Day Athens (Greece)Elizabethan England; Modern-Day England Early Modern English and Its Origins Nuances of Language: Rhyme, Meter, Pronunciation, Diction/Articulation, Dialect/AccentThe Globe Theatre (in London): Its History and Its Present-Day Influence

Recommended Reading

Brush Up Your Shakespeare! by Michael MacroneThe Complete Idiot’s Guide to Shakespeare by Laurie RozakisFreeing Shakespeare’s Voice by Kristin LinklaterThe Friendly Shakespeare by Norrie EpsteinShakespeare A to Z by Charles BoyceAll the World’s a Stage by Rebecca Piatt DavidsonThe Bard of Avon: The Story William Shakespeare by Diane Stanley and Peter VennemaTales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary LambTales from Shakespeare (Comic Book) by Marcia WilliamsWilliam Shakespeare and the Globe by AlikiKing of Shadows by Sandra CooperThe Shakespeare Stealer, Shakespeare’s Scribe, and Shakespeare’s Spy, all by Gary Blackwood Shakespeare and Symthe Mysteries by Simon Hawke: Mystery of Errors; Slaying of the Shrew; Much Ado About Murder; Merchant of Vengeance