Activity 1: Recite the Story Information
- Before and after reading or listening to the story, recite aloud the title and author of the play.
Activity 2: Narrate the Story
- After reading or listening to the story, narrate the events aloud in your own words.
Activity 3: See the Playwright and Poet William Shakespeare
- Study the controversial 'Cobbe portrait' below, which may be a real-life portrait of Shakespeare.
- The portrait contains the Latin phrase 'Principum amicitias!' which means 'The alliances of princes!'
Activity 4: Map the Play
- The play, 'Romeo and Juliet,' takes place in the Italian city of Verona.
- Find Italy on the map of Europe.
- Point to the location of Italy on the map of the world.
- Find Verona on the map of Italy.
Activity 5: Can You Find It?
During the week, zoom in to study the painting, 'The Reconciliation of the Montagues and Capulets over the Dead Bodies of Romeo and Juliet,' by Frederic Leighton. Find the following:
- Romeo
- Juliet
- Paris
- Lord Capulet and Lord Montague Shaking Hands
- Friar Laurence
- Tomb
- Nurse Mourning Juliet
Activity 6: Rehearse the Play Scenes
- Use your theater, props, and characters to rehearse the two abbreviated scenes on pages 28-29 of 'Fourth Grade Shakespeare Theater Pages.'
Activity 7: Hold Opening Night
- Enact a live performance for family members and/or friends.
- Instructors may need to prompt children to say their lines.
- Important Note – Keep your actors, actresses, and set props safe for future productions.