Every year, students in Miss Cunningham’s freshman English classes take on a unique and exciting challenge centered around Romeo and Juliet. Instead of just reading the famous play, students turn their classrooms into a full immersive experience inspired by Verona, Italy, the story’s setting.
The project gives freshmen the chance to go beyond textbooks and dive into hands-on learning. Students work together not only within their own class periods, but also across the entire freshman class. Keith Johnson says his favorite part of this process is “Getting to spend time with my fellow classmates.” This collaboration helps build connections and creates a shared experience that makes the project stand out from typical assignments.
One of the highlights of the project is transforming the classroom itself. Students decorate the space to resemble Verona, incorporating elements from the play such as the famous balcony scene, Juliet’s bedroom, and Italian-inspired designs. The creativity on display turns an ordinary classroom into a vibrant setting that reflects the world of the story. But this process also helps the kids with knowledge topics, “I am enjoying growing my vocabulary”, says freshman Efimia Pizanias.
More than just decorating, the project helps students better understand the themes, characters, and conflicts of the play. By actively engaging with the material, students are able to connect with the story in a more meaningful way.
Overall, Miss Cunningham’s annual Romeo and Juliet project is a fun and memorable way to make learning interactive. It gives freshmen a chance to collaborate, be creative, and experience literature in a way that goes far beyond reading alone.
