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On this page teachers will find lesson plans and activities that will deepen students' understanding of the themes and context of CAMELOT.
Resources written by Kelly Gionti, NYC high school English teacher and Lincoln Center Theater High School Program participant.
LESSON PLAN: THE CODE OF CHIVALRY
In CAMELOT, King Arthur and Lancelot strictly adhere to the idea of chivalry. In this lesson, students will examine the code of chivalry as it existed in the time of CAMELOT and consider how they might apply a similar code of behavior to our interactions in the world of social media today. In this lesson, students will examine the code of chivalry and consider how they might apply a similar code of behavior to their interactions on social media.
Through side-by-side close readings of excerpts from Sir Thomas Malory's LE MORTE D'ARTHUR and the lyrics of CAMELOT's "The Lusty Month of May," students will consider the significance and symbolism of spring during the Middle Ages. This lesson plan includes a link to a Google Slide presentation, and a student worksheet with the Malory quotes and the lyrics to “The Lusty Month of May."
LESSON PLAN: THE LUSTY MONTH OF MAY
Viewing guide: Is there any truth to the King Arthur legends?
With this 5:42 minute TedEd video by Alan Lupack, students can get a brief overview of the background of the legend of King Arthur. The worksheet includes questions to help guide their understanding of the information presented in the video.
Viewing guide: King Arthur: The Life and Legend
For students who may want a more in-depth look at the King Arthur legend, this 16:36 minute video from Biographics examines the history of the Dark Ages and the evolution of the legend of King Arthur. The viewing guide includes many questions to help students understand the elaborate stories woven into the legend.
Like CAMELOT, the 1963 Disney film THE SWORD IN THE STONE is also loosely based on T.H. White’s fantasy novel THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING. This film looks at the life of the young Arthur and his adventures with Merlin before the fateful day he becomes King. Students can use this viewing guide to track their understanding of the film.
Viewing Guide: The Sword in the Stone
Activity: Giving Characters a Voice
In this two-part, post-show activity, students first look at the poem “Guinevere at her Fireside” by Dorothy Parker in which she satirically targets the Queen who tells the story of her adultery with the knight, Sir Lancelot. After students respond to prompts about the poem, they are invited to consider a character from the musical CAMELOT whose story is not fully told onstage and to write a poem or dramatic monologue from that character’s perspective. This activity includes a student worksheet with Parker’s poem and response questions, an answer key for teachers, and a dramatic monologue assignment for students.