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All the world's a stage

We're going to a Shakespeare play! One with real paid actors who think Shakespeare was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Enthusiasm and a desire to do it well - these are not things the average high school teacher sees on a daily basis.

As part of our Shakspeare experience, we had an inservice on teaching the bard in class. I would rank this inservice as one of the top two I've ever attended! No powerpoint or overheads! It was all movement based andgot me thinking seriously of how to use the theater for the classroom more. We learned (and participated in) a couple of games to illustrate status in elizabethan society, understand imabic pentameter and how to interpret text and deliver a line. We also learned how to dance - which I love doing with the freshman. I have instituted a "almost, but no touching" rule in the past (which is hysterical to watch as they compete to see who can get the closest without touching or having "nurse" drag the girl way yelling about morality), and I may change that to make it more authentic. Really, the Elizabethans were a very randy bunch.

We also got a free package of materials for teaching Shakespeare in the classroom. You can order one here. There are other goodies to snag as well.

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