Shakespeare and Human Character

Appendix A Implementing District Standards

1.1. Learning to Read Independently

1. Locate various texts, media and traditional resources for assigned and independent projects before reading. [This will include web search engines and print media.]
2. Analyze the structure of informational materials explaining how authors used these to achieve their purposes. [Students will be asked to observe, analyze and take notes on selection and organization of information.]
3. Use knowledge of root words and words from literary works to recognize and understand the meaning of new words during reading. [Pay particular attention to root words for decoding Shakespeare's language.]
4. Identify, describe, evaluate and synthesize the essential ideas in text.
5. Establish a reading vocabulary by identifying and correctly using new words acquired through the study of their relationships to other words. Use a dictionary or related reference.
6. Demonstrate fluency and comprehension in reading.
• Read familiar materials aloud with accuracy. [Dialogue and Soliloquies]
• Use appropriate rhythm, flow, meter and pronunciation. [Blank verse]

1.2. Reading Critically in All Content Areas

1. Read and understand essential content of informational texts and documents. [Bios]
2. Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of material produced.
• Select appropriate electronic media for research and evaluate the quality of the information received. [Shakespeare websites: commercial, educational, gov.]
• Use, design and develop a media project to demonstrate understanding (e.g., a major writer or literary period or movement). [Timeline, posters, power point]
3. Produce work in at least one literary genre that follows the conventions of the genre.

1.3. Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

1. Read and understand works of literature. [Shakespeare's plays]
2. Analyze the relationships, uses and effectiveness of literary elements used by one or more authors in similar genres including characterization, setting, plot, theme, point of view, tone and style. [Othello, The Merchant of Venice, Sonnet 160]

1.6. Speaking and Listening

• Listen to selections of literature (fiction and/or nonfiction). Relate them to previous knowledge. [Audio tape, CD's, I-pod]
• Predict solutions to identified problems. [Shakespeare's P.O.V.]
• Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations. [Oratorical Contest]