Introduction
The Shakespeare ESL Lesson Plan introduces students to the works of William Shakespeare, a prominent figure in English literature. The purpose of this lesson plan is to engage ESL students in learning about Shakespeare’s life, his contributions to literature, and some of his most famous plays and sonnets. By exploring Shakespeare’s language and themes, students can enhance their English language skills while gaining insight into classical literature. This lesson plan aims to make Shakespeare’s writings more accessible and enjoyable for ESL learners, fostering a deeper appreciation for the English language and its rich literary history.
Vocabulary Building
Vocab
Vocab |
Definition |
|---|---|
Sonnet |
A fourteen-line poem, often expressing personal emotions and thoughts. Shakespeare is well-known for his sonnets. |
Tragedy |
A type of drama that presents a serious subject matter about human suffering often ending in catastrophe. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is one of Shakespeare’s famous tragedies. |
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An act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play. For example, Hamlet’s ‘To be or not to be’ speech is a notable soliloquy. |
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A metrical line in traditional English poetry with five iambs—i.e., feet—in each line. Macbeth is an example of one of Shakespeare’s plays written primarily in iambic pentameter. |
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A literary genre and a type of dramatic work that is amusing and satirical in its tone, mostly having cheerful ending. ‘Twelfth Night’ is an example of Shakespearean comedy. |
Contextual Usage
1. The teacher asked the students to analyze the structure and themes present in the sonnet they were studying.
2. The tragedy ended with the main characters’ untimely demise, leaving the audience feeling sorrowful.
3. In this soliloquy from Macbeth, he questions his own ambitions.
4. Many students find it challenging to understand iambic pentameter at first due to its unique rhythm.
5.The comedy play had everyone laughing out loud with its witty dialogue and humorous situations.
ESL Warm-up Activity
To kick off the lesson, begin with an engaging word scramble activity. Prepare a list of words related to Shakespeare’s works, such as “tragedy,” “sonnet,” “soliloquy,” etc. Write each word on the board in scrambled form, and have students work individually or in pairs to unscramble the words within a specified time limit. This activity not only introduces students to key terms but also encourages them to recall and recognize vocabulary relevant to Shakespeare’s literary works. It sets the tone for the lesson by immersing students in Shakespearean language elements right from the start.
Main ESL Lesson Activities
Vocabulary Activity: Shakespearean Terms Charades
Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a list of Shakespearean words related to the lesson. One student from each group will act out the word without speaking while their group members guess the correct term. This fun and interactive activity encourages students to recall and understand key vocabulary through physical expression and teamwork.
Listening Exercise: Exploring Shakespeare’s Sonnets
Play an audio recording of one of Shakespeare’s sonnets, pausing at regular intervals to discuss unfamiliar vocabulary or intricate verses. After listening, ask students to share their interpretations, promoting critical thinking and verbal expression. Encourage students to express how they felt while listening and understanding different emotions portrayed in the sonnet.
Roleplay Activity: Reenacting Famous Scenes
Assign small groups a famous scene from one of Shakespeare’s plays and ask them to perform a dramatic rendition. Encourage creativity in interpreting the characters’ dialogues and motivations, allowing students to embody the language and emotions portrayed by Shakespeare’s iconic characters.
Reading & Writing Task: Modernizing a Soliloquy
Provide students with a soliloquy from a play like “Hamlet” or “Macbeth,” then task them with rewriting it in modern language while maintaining its essence. This exercise not only enhances comprehension but also challenges students’ linguistic skills as they delve into translating classical text into contemporary language.
ESL Homework Assignment
Homework Assignment: Literary Analysis
Ask students to choose a Shakespearean sonnet or a passage from one of his plays and write a brief analysis discussing the themes, language, and emotions conveyed. Encourage students to express their opinions and interpretations while connecting the content to their own experiences or contemporary events.
Homework Assignment: Comparative Essay
Assign students to compare characters or themes from two different Shakespearean works. Have them write an essay discussing similarities, differences, and the impact of these elements on the overall stories. This task reinforces comprehension while fostering critical thinking skills.
Homework Assignment: Creative Writing
Task students with composing a modern-day soliloquy inspired by a character from one of Shakespeare’s plays. Encourage creativity as they delve into expressing inner thoughts and feelings using contemporary language while retaining the essence of classical soliloquies.
These homework assignments aim to reinforce the lesson content by encouraging independent research, critical thinking, and creative expression related to Shakespeare’s works. Each assignment provides an opportunity for students to engage more deeply with the material covered in class.
Conclusion
Summary
In conclusion, the ESL lesson plan on Shakespeare has familiarized students with the life and literary contributions of William Shakespeare. Through exploration of his works, including sonnets, tragedies, soliloquies, and comedies, students have gained valuable insight into classical English literature.
Reflection
As students reflect on this lesson, they are encouraged to contemplate how exposure to Shakespeare’s language and themes can enhance their language development. By analyzing his intricate vocabulary and complex emotions in various contexts, students can refine their language skills while delving into timeless literary masterpieces.
Why this topic is great for ESL learning
Studying Shakespeare provides ESL learners with an opportunity to engage with complex yet rewarding language, which can significantly enhance their English proficiency. The rich and varied vocabulary, diverse sentence structures, and emotional depth found in Shakespeare’s works offer valuable material for language exploration and advancement. Moreover, delving into the timeless themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and fate within Shakespeare’s plays provides students with insights into universal human experiences that can broaden their cultural understanding while strengthening their language skills.
