Elizabeth A. Johnson
This lesson allows students to actively consider real-life situations. Assign students to play the different parts, being a daughter, mother, C, M, and so forth. Possibly have students write their responses first before acting out.
First, look at the opening scene between the boys of the Capulet and Montague Houses. Call them the C's and M's. C's are hanging out on their turf, chillin', when along comes one of the M's and a friend. Someone is not welcome, but the other does not want to budge. What do you do?
In another scene, there is a C party and the M's are going to crash it. One student is a C who sees the head of the M's sneaking around, eating their food, dancing with their ladies, and enjoying everything the party has to offer. What does C do? It's his party, M was not invited, what does each side do?
In another scene, your mom will not let you date someone. She tells you why, and you know she will not change her mind, even though you are right. What do you do?
In another scene, a very close friend, close like a brother, asks you for something you know you should not have. It could be a weapon, a drug, or anything. The friend is crying, threatens you, and says that he or she cannot live without this thing. What do you do?
This could be played with many other scenes. After the students determine what they would do, ask them to explain why. Then ask what the consequences of their actions will be. What would be the other consequences if they did something else? *Note: From my own experiences, in 2010, the word "consequences" has a strictly negative connotation among students. To remedy this, the terms "positive reactions" and "negative reactions" can be substituted for the desired thought process. Students should not be made to think that the "consequences" of each scene are negative, and the use of this word will lead to only negative answers. *
For struggling learners, all these questions will be answered on paper first, then discussed. Finally, students will reflect, in writing, on the discussion. Did they change any of their ideas? What reaction would do the most harm? What reaction would do the most good? Why do some situations "have to" end a certain way? What if they did not?