This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Shakespeare said, "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." The possibilities for my amazing students are endless, if a love of learning is instilled in them now. I know I can cultivate that love with meaningful literary experiences, such as reading and performing Shakespearean plays.
My students are amazing!
They are a group of inquisitive, knowledge-hungry, gifted and high achieving 4th and 5th graders. This is notable especially because our school is Title I, meaning that over 87% of our students qualify for the free/reduced price meal program based on the economic statuses of their families. In addition, many of of our students are English speakers of other languages, and may be the only English speaker in their household. However, my students maintain academic excellence year after year, as evidenced by their outstanding test scores and classroom productivity. I am inspired by my students on a daily basis, and do my best to inspire them back with a learning environment in which they can continue to thrive.
My Project
Imagine a reading lesson truly coming to life! Bringing Shakespearean scripts into the classroom can accomplish this. As students read, analyze, discuss, and perform these great works, they will be able to interact with them in a rich and meaningful way. Shakespearean plays are full of opportunity to tackle theme, character traits, figurative language, and vocabulary. Characters can be compared, conflicts and resolutions determined, and cause and effect relationships examined. Nearly every literature standard can be covered using these scripts. The best part is that students will become completely invested in these scripts as they perform them for others.
To me, learning should be a three-dimensional experience.
Students need to interact with and manipulate content. Too many times we forget to do this with lessons in comprehension. Often, words remain flat on a page, especially for our non-enthusiastic readers. To be an effective teacher, I need to find a way to make these words jump off the page and come to life for my students. Bringing Shakespearean plays into the classroom will do just that!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Lisi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
