LAST YEAR I TAUGHT AT THE CLARENCE R. EDWARDS MIDDLE SCHOOL in Charlestown as part of the national nonprofit Citizen Schools enrichment program. In afternoon classes, we tried to develop in our students a drive to attend college, in part by focusing on academic skills and goal-setting. But midyear, I had the chance to create a six-week elective. Others taught courses on Italian food, world sports, and art history. I decided to teach Shakespeare. My colleagues were dubious.
My Edwards sixth-graders, who came primarily from housing projects in East Boston and Charlestown, read on average at a fourth-grade level. When I asked students in the cafeteria, “What does William Shakespeare mean to you?” I got blank stares. But to my surprise, 30 students signed up, filling two classes.
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This article gave me such a lift. I was turned on to Shakespeare by a very nerdy teacher in grade 7 (I say "nerd" in the most affectionate way here, I loved this teacher), and still recall what a fantastic, eye-opening and amazing experience it was. I was so positively impacted by my introduction to Shakespeare, and am thrilled to see that your class had the same opportunity and response. Great job, yes, but best of all, it was the kids who realized how relevant (and fun) Shakespeare is to this day. So nice. :)
I wonder if there is something about that play, "Macbeth", that turns on middle school kids. Because, when I was a student teacher of Language Arts, I had to teach that very same play to seventh graders, and they really seemed to get it and follow it quite well. In those days, a Shakespearean touring company came to the Boston area and performed this play for middle and high school students. I myself have always been "Shakespeare challenged" and had difficulty with his other plays, but not this one so much. I think that Ms. Lander seems to have done a great job with her students!
One word: beautiful!
Good article. But why is there a drawing of Paul Simon?