Lesson Plans

A riveting speech and the most riveting (and sneakily rigorous) way to teach it: be astounded by Macbeth’s words in the mouths of your students!

What does a black actor at an audition in today’s world have to say to Shakespeare’s Othello? This choral reading mashup will ignite bold discussion.

A rousing and rigorous way to get inside Edmund’s monologue in 1.2! Students close-read this speech without any teacher explanation.

Find out why Dr. King’s speech should never be studied silently again. What your students do in this lesson will amaze you–and them.

An Imtiaz Dharker sonnet talks to Shakespeare’s Sonnet 43 in this close reading lesson.

The “seven ages of man” speech–read chorally and physically by your students!

What do Rena from August Wilson’s Jitney and Lady Macbeth have in common?

What if August Wilson’s King Hedley could talk to Shakespeare’s Hamlet? What might these characters say—and share?

An immersive and unforgettable way to understand The Declaration of Independence.

What’s an effective way to launch your students into engaged study of Tayari Jones’ An American Marriage?

Living inside the language of Clint Smith and Shakespeare, students examine fatherly advice, race, and growing up.

Students discover the “four directions” scene of The Joy Luck Club on their own, without any teacher explanation.

Find out why Dr. King’s speech should never be studied silently again. What your students do in this lesson will amaze you–and them.

The opening scene of Their Eyes Were Watching God can be challenging for students, but when they get on their feet and perform it, the scene comes alive with amazing clarity.

Students work in small groups to read, evaluate, and edit an early scene from Shelley’s novel. Lively debate ensues!

Use literature as a tool for anti-racism. Even if you don’t teach Merchant, this curriculum will help your students think and act with courage.

What does a black actor at an audition in today’s world have to say to Shakespeare’s Othello? This choral reading mashup will ignite bold discussion.

Find out why Dr. King’s speech should never be studied silently again. What your students do in this lesson will amaze you–and them.

Introduce the language and story of Othello and prepare your students for courageous conversations about race and power. A twist on 20-minute plays.

Living inside the language of Clint Smith and Shakespeare, students examine fatherly advice, race, and growing up.