Michael Ross, third grade teacher at Queen of Peace School in Salem, likes to keep things interesting in the classroom. His hands-on learning style was recently awarded when he won the prestigious 2008 Crystal Apple for outstanding teaching, from Salem-Keizer Public Schools.

Now, he’s pushing the envelope further, with his latest feats — teaching third graders to read and perform Shakespeare.

His third grade class is set to perform "A Midsummer's Night Dream."

“I spent the summer adapting the play to what would fit us best,” Ross said, noting that the play will be 75 to 90 minutes long, instead of 180 minutes unabridged.

Casting was completed early on, and the shortage of boys in this year's class was addressed. “We only have five boys in the class this year, so I adapted the class to fit the 14 girls we have,” Ross said.

It’s not just about performing either, he notes.

“The children spent all of September learning about who Shakespeare was, why he is considered an historic figure, and what his plays are all about,” he said.

His students learn about comedy, tragedy and historical plays, and by the end of the year, most students have memorized the names of all the Shakespeare plays and their genre.

“We also watch and listen to versions of the play, so the students have good idea about each role,” Ross said.

Auditions were held in October, with kids trying out for three parts. “It's a great lesson for third graders, because many of them did not get their first choice they tried out for. They learned to congratulate each other on their roles,” Ross said.

Rehearsals are held every Friday during the school day. The manifest is made complete come performance week, as the room is transformed into a full stage - velvet curtains and all.

Costumes are color T-shirts, and the props are simple.

“Many kids from last year have their T-shirts hanging on their bedroom wall, as a symbol of all the hard work they put in during the year — they say it was earned, not given — and I fully agree,’ he said.

This year's set poses logistical problems, as "we have to create a palace and a forest,” Ross noted, but the class is working on it."

"This is our second year we’ve done Shakespeare, and it’s been very successful," Ross said, who got the idea from Rafe Esquith, a teacher in inner city Los Angeles, who’s fifth grade class travels the U.S. performing unabridged Shakespeare plays. Ross also follows Esquith in teaching “The Six Levels of Moral Development” in the classroom, too.

The performances are open to other school students, as well as to family, friends and supporters during the first week of June.

“We don't charge admission, but we are accepting donations for Friends of Pimpollo, an organization that assists an orphanage in Oaxaca, Mexico,” Ross said.

For more information, contact Queen of Peace School at 503-362-3443.