Unit Name: Star-Crossed Romances
NJSLS: LA.SL.9-10.1C: Propel conversations by posing
and responding to questions that relate the current
discussion to broader themes or larger ideas.
LA.W.9-10.3.D: Use precise words and phrases, telling
details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture
of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
LA.L.9-14.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of
unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on
grade 9 reading and content.
LA.RL.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence
and make relevant connections to support analysis of
what the text says explicitly as well as inferentially.
Interdisciplinary Connection: SOC.9-12.1.3.1: Distinguish
valid arguments from false arguments when interpreting
current and historical events.
Statement of Objective: Students will learn about the
life and writing style of William Shakespeare, as well
as the “five elements” of Drama. Students will begin to
read “Romeo and Juliet”, working to interpret the
language into modern speech. Students will be
questioned about characters’ motives and life choices,
drawing conclusions/opinions related to the idea of
Fate/Destiny.
Anticipatory Set/Do Now: “Who was William Shakespeare?”
video; Shakespearean insults activity; Elements of
Drama Activity
Learning Activity: Do now; In-Class Reading; YouTube
Videos; Group Questions; Teacher-Led Discussions;
Lecture; Comprehension Games; Hand-outs; Visual Aids;
Powerpoints; Class interpretation of visual/artistic
depictions of play.
Student Assessment/CFU's: Daily reviews (student-led
oral retellings); worksheets/quizzes; Teacher-led Q&A’s
Materials: Digital upload of “Romeo and Juliet”
Print-outs of Shakespearean words/crafted insults
Print-outs of selections from various other plays
Digital Collage displaying thematic elements of story
YouTube Videos: Clips from various film adaptations of
“Romeo and Juliet”
Powerpoint of the Five Elements of Drama
21st Century Themes and Skills: Creativity and
Innovation; Communication and Collaboration; Poetry and
the Arts
Differentiation: Voluntary small group assignments; Extra
time to complete assignments; Pairing oral instructions
with visuals; repeat/rephrase instructions; visual
presentations
Integration of Technology: Smart TV; Chromebooks;
Powerpoints; Google Classroom; Videos; Google Search
Engine