Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will have a basic understanding of the characters, themes, and plot of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare. They will also engage in creative activities to express their understanding and enjoyment of the play.
Materials and Prep
- Paper and colored pencils or markers
- Access to a quiet space for reading and activities
- Knowledge of the main characters: Oberon, Titania, Puck, and the four lovers (Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena)
- A brief summary of the play to share with the student
Activities
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Character Drawing:
Have the student choose their favorite character from the play and create a colorful drawing of them. Encourage them to think about what the character looks like, what they wear, and any special items they might have (like Puck's mischievous smile!).
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Scene Reenactment:
Pick a short scene from the play and have the student act it out. They can use props from around the house or even dress up as the characters. This will help them understand the emotions and actions of the characters better.
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Dream Journal:
Ask the student to write a short story or diary entry about a dream they had. They can incorporate elements from the play, such as magic or talking animals, to make it more fun and imaginative!
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Word Hunt:
Create a list of words from the play (like "love," "magic," "forest," and "dream"). Have the student search for these words in books or magazines around the house and cut them out. They can create a collage with their findings!
Talking Points
- "What do you think magic means in this story?"
- "How do the characters feel when they are in love? Can you think of a time you felt that way?"
- "Why do you think Puck is such a funny character? What are some funny things he does?"
- "What do you think the forest represents in the play? Is it a scary place or a magical place?"
- "How do the characters change throughout the story? Can you think of a character who learns something important?"