Romeo & Juliet Lesson 16: Act 2 - Lesson Plan

In this engaging lesson centred around Shakespeare's timeless tragedy "Romeo and Juliet," Year 9 students will delve into Act 3, Scene 1, with the specific learning objective of analysing how tension is crafted within the scene. The lesson will be conducted through a blend of discussion, reading, and comprehension exercises, allowing students to explore the dramatic elements that contribute to the building of suspense and conflict.

To assess their progress, students will undertake two tasks: 'What Were They Thinking' and 'Building Tension'. These activities aim to gauge their understanding, ranging from a basic grasp of the tension-building techniques used by Shakespeare to a more sophisticated insight into the dramatic construction of the scene. Differentiation opportunities are available, including the ability to edit PowerPoint presentations, tailor tasks to individual needs, and balance teacher-led guidance with independent learning. The lesson starts with a 10-minute recap of the events and potential repercussions of Act 3, Scene 1. The main teaching activity spans 40 minutes and includes the aforementioned tasks, culminating in students converting their table notes into a well-structured prose paragraph. For those who finish early, an extension activity is provided where they can write a diary entry from Benvolio's perspective after the pivotal events of the scene. The lesson rounds off with a 10-minute plenary where students share their paragraphs and offer constructive feedback to their peers.