Lesson Plan: Exploring The Tempest
Subject: Drama
Topic: The Tempest
Duration: 30 Minutes
Year Group: 9-10 (Key Stage 3/4)
Objectives:
- To engage students with Shakespeare's The Tempest.
- To deepen understanding of characters and themes.
- To explore the use of language and dramatic techniques in the play.
Introduction (5 Minutes)
Begin the lesson by briefly introducing The Tempest, highlighting its significance in Shakespeare's body of work.
- Key Points to Mention:
- Written in 1610-1611.
- Themes of magic, power, revenge, and forgiveness.
- Set on a remote island.
Discussion Prompt
- Ask students: "What do you think makes a play timeless?" and allow a few responses before moving on.
Warm-Up Activity (5 Minutes)
Title: Character Movement Exercise
- Objective: To help students embody the characters in the play.
- Instructions:
- In pairs, choose one character from The Tempest (e.g., Prospero, Ariel, Caliban).
- Imitate how your character might move or gesture.
- After 2 minutes, have students share their movements with the class.
Debrief
- Discuss how movement can convey character traits and motivations.
Reading and Analysis (15 Minutes)
Title: Dramatic Reading of Selected Excerpts
- Instructions:
- Divide students into groups of four or five.
- Provide each group with a passage from The Tempest (e.g., the opening scene where the storm occurs, Prospero's monologues).
- Assign roles within each group (narrator, characters) and encourage expressive reading.
Group Discussion
- After reading, have each group discuss the following questions:
- What is happening in this excerpt?
- How do the characters feel?
- Identify any use of figurative language or dramatic devices (e.g., alliteration, metaphor).
Reflection and Conclusion (5 Minutes)
Title: Class Reflection
- Gather students back into a circle meeting.
- Prompt Questions:
- What did you enjoy about the dramatic reading?
- How did it alter your perception of the characters?
- What themes emerged as significant during the exercise?
Homework Assignment
- Instruct students to write a short reflective paragraph (100-150 words) on a character of their choice, focusing on their motivations and how they relate to the themes of the play.
Resources Needed
- Copies of selected excerpts from The Tempest.
- Space for students to work in groups.
- Writing materials for homework reflection.
Assessment
- Participation in discussions and activities.
- Quality of group reading (expression and engagement).
- Reflective paragraph submitted during the next class.
By focusing on interactive and dynamic elements of the lesson, this plan aims to foster a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's The Tempest while engaging students' creativity and analytical skills.