So how did a Literature major who loves theater decide to only spend 1 day teaching her kids the story of Romeo and Juliet? There isn't enough time to get to everything. I have to make choices.
I have never seen Titanic. Or The Sound of Music. Or The Wizard of Oz. Or read Moby Dick. But I am very aware of them. I am pretty sure I can quote lines, re-enact scenes and give someone a basic plot summary. I am aware of them without really having experienced them as a whole. That was my goal with the Romeo and Juliet lesson. Awareness without anyone throwing a book across the room in disgust. Especially if the person was going to be me.
1. Quick review of Shakespeare's time period.
2. Overview of Shakespearean plots: Comedies = End in a marriage. Tragedies = End in death(s).
3. Watch Crash Course Literature: Romeo and Juliet part 1
And then Part 2:
(YES - that is the same guy who wrote The Fault is in Our Stars.)
4. Discuss: Why study Romeo and Juliet?
*It was an old story when Shakespeare retold it and we continue to retell it.
*Themes: Prejudice, feeling misunderstood, fate, love at first sight...
5. Compare different interpretations of Act 2, Scene 2: The Balcony Scene
1968 Romeo and Juliet with real Shakespearean language
Gnomio and Juliet
Brandon Ballet Gala (Nov. 16 2013, 11 minutes)
Lego Form: A school project by Austin Orth
Romeo and Juliet Balcony Parody
Romeo and Juliet Parody with Pantry Staples (Seems silly but is really clever).
Bugs Bunny and Witch Hazel
What do these scenes all have in common?
6. Draw a comic depicting a simplified version of events from Romeo and Juliet.
7. What are some modernized versions of this story?
West Side Story, Love Story by Taylor Swift
7. Why is this a story that is worth retelling?
Other resources: Brick Shakespeare- The Tragedies, Romeo and Juliet - The Graphic Novel
And that is how we spent our morning. And not a book was thrown....
