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The Error of Comedies (Shakespeare's, that is...)

Classroom project requested by Mr. O. on Mar 18, 2009
Classroom Photo
Minimal Poverty ?
North Carolina
Where is the classroom located? ?

"William Shakespeare is credited with introducing nearly 2000 words into the English language and his plays are listed on numerous lists of the most important works of English literature. But his plays were meant to be performed and watched, not read. I teach theatre students in grades 9-12 to apprec..." more»

"William Shakespeare is credited with introducing nearly 2000 words into the English language and his plays are listed on numerous lists of the most important works of English literature. But his plays were meant to be performed and watched, not read. I teach theatre students in grades 9-12 to appreciate the liveliness of Shakespeare's language through a physical, performance-based approach, as opposed to a literary approach.

The biggest obstacle to teaching Shakespeare is the fear the students have of his language. If they cannot understand the words, they will never appreciate the beauty of his writing. Therefore, I need an intelligent, well-annotated version of the play so that the students can understand the text as we read it. I am currently using a version I have downloaded from the internet, since I do not have the funds to purchase a class set of the play. The students' reaction to the photo-copied text is visceral: it looks cheap; the copy paper booklet is large and unwieldy; the writing is small; the words are hard to understand; it's obviously less important than English where they have a "bought" copy of their texts; etc.

I need a book that is small enough to hold in one hand - paperback size - so the students can easily rehearse while holding the book, since so much of Shakespeare's comedy is physical. I need a copy that is well-researched and up to date, so that the definitions are clear and easy to understand. The students respond well to Shakespeare when they grasp the meaning. And when they respond well in my class, it carries over into their other classes: they are more confident; they feel more intelligent; they are more willing think critically about language. When their introduction to Shakespeare is fun and interesting and early - I teach this play to Theatre I students who are primarily ninth-graders - I find that it better prepares them for their literature studies in other classes in high school and in college.

Your help will ensure that my students have the understanding they need to be successful with material that forms the foundation of their studies if English language and literature. hide»

My students need a class set (40 copies) of William Shakespeare's play "The Comedy of Errors." details»

Oct 30, 2009 Mr. O. the Teacher
project photo project photo project photo
project photo project photo project photo

Reply to the classroom

Dear John and Gina Skelton, VH International Business Solutions, Inc, julie and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 

Thank you so much for your generous contributions to my classroom. Having these copies of The Comedy of Errors has been - and continues to be - invaluable. The students now have access to a text that gives them clear, easy to understand notes on every page of text, including definitions and historical references. In addition, there is a detailed and concise biography of William Shakespeare that provides clear background information and gives the students a frame of reference for the play.
But perhaps most important of all is the simple act of your generosity. It is so important for the students to understand and appreciate how they are connected to the community. They need examples like yours so that they, too, will take an active interest in community and educational needs for the rest of their lives.
So, on behalf of my students, my school and my community, I thank you.

With gratitude,
Mr. O.

Reply to the classroom

Sep 18, 2009 Melissa Z a staff member at donorschoose.org
Packaged the thank-you letters written by Mr. O.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).

Apr 13, 2009 Jenni D a staff member at donorschoose.org
Purchased the books for Mr. O.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.

Apr 13, 2009 Mr. O. the Teacher

Dear John and Gina Skelton, VH International Business Solutions, Inc, julie and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 

On behalf of my students, I would like to thank you very much for your generous contributions. Because of the lack of available funds - particularly in the current economic climate - it is difficult to purchase necessary materials for the classroom. Your donations have made it possible for us to have a class set of the Folger Library's edition of William Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, which will be an invaluable resource as the students are introduced to the beauty, fun, and richness of Shakespeare's language.
Thank you not only for your financial assistance, but also for your belief in the importance of teaching this material and your support for the public schools.

With gratitude,
Mr. O.

Reply to the classroom

Apr 1, 2009 Mr. O. the Teacher
"Thank you for your support!"

Mar 31, 2009 VH International Business Solutions, Inc from New York, NY
"A big hello to everyone in Mr. O.'s class!! Enjoy!! With regards, The Team at VH International Business Solutions, Inc."

Mar 31, 2009 VH International Business Solutions, Inc from New York, NY
""A big hello to everyone in Ms. S.'s class!! Enjoy!! With regards, The Team at VH International Business Solutions, Inc.""

Mar 31, 2009 DonorsChoose.org
Good news: Project fully funded!

Mar 31, 2009 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
"We provided DonorsChoose.org with matching funds for projects that improve college readiness. We believe that when all people in the United States have the opportunity to develop their talents, our society thrives."

Mar 31, 2009 VH International Business Solutions, Inc from New York, NY
"A big hello to everyone!! Enjoy!! With regards, The Team at VH International Business Solutions, Inc."

Mar 31, 2009 Mr. O. the Teacher
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! We're almost there!"

Mar 31, 2009 julie gave from wallingford, CT

Mar 29, 2009 Mr. O. the Teacher
"Thank you so much!"

Mar 24, 2009 John and Gina Skelton gave from Charlotte, NC

Mar 24, 2009 Ryan G an associate at donorschoose.org
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.

Mar 23, 2009 Dana S a volunteer at donorschoose.org
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
Mar 18, 2009Mr. O. - Teacher
Project Details
Materials Vendor Price # Total
The Comedy of Errors (Folger Shakespeare Library Series) William Shakespeare, Paul Werstine (Editor), Barbara A. Mowat (Editor) Barnes and Noble $5.39 40 $215.60
  
Vendor Shipping Charges ? $21.56
State Sales Tax ? $9.16
3rd Party Payment Processing Fee ? $5.39
Fulfillment Labor & Materials ? $17.00
Project Cost Excluding Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org $269.00
Optional Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org ? $59.05
Project Cost Including Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org ? $328.05
Partner Funding Offer -$158.51
3 Donors -$169.54
To Go $0.00
Level:
Grades 9-12
Teacher's funded projects:
1
Thank-you punctuality:
0% ?
Subject:
Performing Arts (in Music & The Arts), Literacy (in Literacy & Language)
Resource:
Books (Enrichment)
Students reached:
35
Used by future students?
Yes
Submitted:
Mar 18, 2009 |
Expires:
Aug 24, 2009
Project ID:
267046
Funded!
March 31, 2009
$328 given
4 donors
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