Why Drama is so Important in Schools

why drama?

Over the next several weeks and months I’ll be writing a 12-part series about why drama is so important in schools.  I’ll be covering several different aspects of the … Continue reading

Classroom Insult-a-thon

shakespeare insult video

Classroom Insult-a-thon

(Don’t forget, April 23rd is National Insult Like Shakespeare Day!)

It’s simple and fun and works like this:

  • Everyone writes up 3-4 different insults using the Shakespeare Insult Generator
  • They spend about 5-10 minutes practicing their insults, working on generating the appropriate delivery with angst!
  • Split the class into 2 groups that line up against each other
  • FIRST ROUND of insults: one student from each group steps forward and they insult each other with one of their insults.
  • The teacher, or some voting panel, votes for the best insult.  Loser … Continue reading
  • Lesson Idea: The Top Ten Shakespeare List

    Here is a clever idea that may engage your students in a short lesson plan, as well as open their eyes and minds to what Shakespeare has brought to the table.  Create a top ten Shakespeare list.  Here are some top ten Shakespeare ideas you can work with:

    • Characters (Puck, Hamlet, Othello… Who’s #1?)
    • Re-written story lines (i.e. Lion King or West Side Story, etc)
    • Speeches (To be, or not to be)
    • Quotes (Out, damn spot, out!)
    • Phrases (Method to his Madness)
    • Words (i.e. Alligator, Minds-eye, Dalmation, etc)

    Let me know if you think of more, so I … Continue reading