Exercises+and+GPS

There are many ways to incorporate young adult plays into the classroom. Although this play most obviously fits in with a classroom study of Shakespeare's //Romeo and Juliet//, the overarching themes of fitting in, social pressures, and the social expectations of others can allow this play to be used (in it's entirety or specific scenes) in many other units as well.

To use this play as a short, simple, supplementary text, there is a 10 minute version that is available online: __ [] __
 * 10-minute Version of //Football Romeo//**

Take out a piece of paper. Think about a culture that you are a part of. This need not be a 'geographic' culture. This might mean being a member of the marching band, or taking dance lessons, or being on the debate team, or being a cheerleader. It might mean actively participating in a youth group at church,stepping up the plate and watching your little siblings after school while your parents are at work, or having an eating disorder. Culture can be defined as a group with which you strongly identify with.
 * Cultural Identity Exploration**

Use your time today to capture, with as much detail as possible, a narrative about your own experience within your culture. Re-read what you have written, and make sure you are showing, and not telling - capture those details that will make us feel as if we are a part of your culture, too.

Day Two: Re-read what you wrote yesterday. Now, capture the same culture, but from a different perspective and in a different genre. Maybe from the point of view of a parent or family member. Maybe from an instructor. Maybe, if you play a sport, from the perspective of the equipment being used - be creative! Remember that this portion is two-fold - you should be experimenting with voice and writing from a new perspective, and it also should NOT be in a narrative style.

Broaden your horizons, take some risks, be honest, and have fun!

This is a link to one scene from the play, but it is suggested as a Duet scene for drama competitions. Incorporating this before the actual reading of //Romeo and Juliet// could be interesting to heighten interest in the Shakespeare play, and also to review the necessary aspects / requirements of dramatic reading (intonation, reading with emotion, following stage directions, etc.) Certain scenes could also be selected to introduce the concept of Reader's Theater as well.
 * Duet Scene Reading and/or Review of Dramatic Reading Requirements**

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Besides having students compare/contrast scenes from various film versions of Romeo and Juliet, themes like social pressure and fitting in can be explored. Incorporating clips from High School Musical or Glee (or any other film or television show that deals with these issues specifically) could also serve to start or prompt classroom discussions.
 * Theme Comparison to Popular Movies or Television Shows**

Specific Georgia Performance Standards are dictated by the specific grade level being taught, but depending on the activities chosen, Reading, Writing, and Multiple Literacy Standards are being addressing and covered.
 * GPS**