ABSTRACT
This text is meant for gifted program, talent development, or enrichment program teachers in upper elementary and middle school settings who are anywhere in the range of novice to expert on the subject of Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and A Midsummer Night's Dream are the anchor texts for this standards-based curriculum that can be used in its entirety. Or, because each chapter is an individual standards-based module, certain modules can easily be selected to design a Shakespeare unit that meets individual program needs. Chapter 2 focuses on learning standards that require students to ask and answer questions as they read, to make inferences, and to use text evidence to support their thinking. In working with this standard, students will be exposed to Shakespeare through narrative story. This chapter explains how to complete several close reading rounds without losing engagement and while maintaining rigor. The goal is for students to comprehend the stories that they will be performing and studying. The chapter features standards-based assessments, student-centered and collaborative learning activities, possibilities for technology integration, teaching examples from the original Shakespearean texts, as well as teaching advice delivered in a humorous, warm, and supportive tone.
