Ambition and Power Unit

A 10-lesson thematic unit for 9th-grade ESOL students focusing on Shakespeare's Macbeth, integrating systemic language instruction, morphology, and phonics (R-controlled vowels) with high-school level analysis.

APAlexis Paolini

Subverting Beauty

A lesson exploring Sonnet 130 to introduce Shakespearean language and irony while teaching the Latin root 'vers/vert' and continuing /ar/ and /or/ R-controlled vowel practice.

Nature in Revolt

An analysis of the discovery of Duncan's murder and the subversion of the natural order in Act 2, Scenes 3-4, featuring the Latin root 'rupt' and a review of CVCe (Silent E) vowel patterns.

The Bard's Legacy

An introductory lesson that hooks students into the world of William Shakespeare, explores his modern relevance, and establishes foundational literacy routines.

Reflecting on Time

An analysis of Sonnet 106 focusing on figurative language and the theme of time, featuring the Latin root 'spec' and final explicit practice for /ar/ and /or/.

The Hunger for Power

An exploration of central themes in Macbeth (power, ambition, and gender) to prime students for the play, including the Latin root 'path' and introduction to /er/, /ir/, and /ur/ vowels.

Storms and Prophecies

An introduction to the supernatural elements and mood of Act 1, Scenes 1-2 of Macbeth, featuring the Latin root 'port' and /er/, /ir/, /ur/ practice.

The King's Play

A study of Jacobean England's historical context and its influence on the play, focusing on the Latin root 'scrib/script' and spiraled phonics practice.

A Brave Warrior

An analysis of Macbeth's characterization in Act 1, Scene 2-3, focusing on imagery and the Latin root 'vis/vid'.

Whispers of Truth

An introduction to the 'aside' as a dramatic device in Act 1, Scene 3 to reveal internal conflict, featuring the Latin root 'audi'.

The Prince of Cumberland

An examination of Macbeth's shifting ambition in Act 1, Scene 4, focusing on the Latin root 'fer' and complex character development.

Unsex Me Here

An introduction to Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 5, exploring her characterization and gender roles through the Latin root 'voc'.

The Fatal Choice

An evaluation of Macbeth's internal conflict in Act 1, Scenes 6-7, focusing on the root 'ject' and Long A vowel teams (ai, ay).

The Art of Persuasion

An analysis of Lady Macbeth's use of the manhood motif to persuade Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7, featuring the root 'duct' and Long E vowel teams (ee, ea, y).

Is This a Dagger

A study of the Dagger Soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1, exploring the root 'cid/cis' and Long I vowel teams (igh, i_e, y).

The Sleep of Death

An analysis of the aftermath of Duncan's murder in Act 2, Scene 2, focusing on the root 'corp' and Long O vowel teams (oa, ow, o_e).

Banquo's Legacy

A guided seminar on Banquo as a foil to Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 1, featuring the root 'gen' and Long U vowel teams (ue, ew, u_e).

Scorpions of the Mind

An exploration of the shifting relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 2, with a cumulative review of vowel teams and the root 'ten/tain'.

The Uninvited Guest

An analysis of the Banquet Scene in Act 3, Scene 4, where Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost, focusing on the root 'viv' and diphthongs 'oi/oy'.

The Master of Confusion

An exploration of the Witches' further influence and Hecate's introduction in Act 3, Scenes 5-6, featuring the root 'tract' and diphthongs 'ou/ow'.

Double Trouble

A study of the second set of prophecies in Act 4, Scene 1, exploring the root 'fac/fect' and diphthongs 'au/aw'.

The Cost of Treason

An analysis of the murder of Lady Macduff and her son in Act 4, Scene 2, focusing on the root 'fin' and the variant sounds of 'oo'.

Testing Loyalty

An evaluation of loyalty and Macduff's grief in Act 4, Scene 3, featuring the root 'err' and diphthongs 'ew/ue'.

Out Damned Spot

A thematic study of Lady Macbeth's psychological breakdown in Act 5, Scene 1, with a review of diphthongs and the root 'dorm'.

The True Man

An analysis of Macduff's definition of manhood as a foil to Macbeth, featuring the root 'man' and a spiral review of R-controlled vowels.

Stains of the Past

An exploration of imagery and motifs in Act 5, focusing on the root 'luc' and a spiral review of Long A, E, and I vowel teams.

Brief Candles

An analysis of Macbeth's 'Tomorrow' soliloquy and his reaction to Lady Macbeth's death, featuring the root 'chron' and a spiral review of Long O, U, and Diphthongs.