I’m getting ready to teach the drama unit to my 6th graders and I’d love to introduce them to Shakespeare and other major authors in the genre. I was wondering if anyone knows a website where I can find watered-down versions of shakespeare tales or other plays. Also, does anyone have creative ideas on making the unit fun?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I know that sparknotes publish easy and tradtional versions of Shakespeare plays in a books. Like one page is traditional old English and the other is modern English. I have one for Romeo and Juliet. Go on sparknotes.com to have a look. Ummm.. but I don’t think 6th graders are old enough to actually appreciate Shakespeare yet… I think that they’re just two years too young.
Here is a website that gives ideas for teaching Shakepear to Middle school students. Maybe you will find something that fit your students.
http://forums.educationworld.com/index.php?goto=2834&rid=0&t=msg#msg_2834
Actually, quite a few elementary schools in my area do Shakespeare and the kids LOVE it!! And yes, they do understand it when it is taught well.
Most directors do their own cutting of a script, so, no, I couldn’t find any cut scripts offered free online. The full plays are found in several sites, and cutting becomes easier in electronic form.
Write to Dr. Michael Bahr of Southern Utah University bahr@bard.org with your questions about teaching Shakespeare’s plays. He’ll respond if he can, and might offer other contacts.
And here’s a good article from an experienced teacher:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3666/is_199703/ai_n8756279
As far as sources for already edited scripts,
order from Great Britain http://www.carelpress.co.uk/sshak.htm
haven’t read these, but the reviews were good:
http://www.fivestarpublications.com/books/60MinuteShakespeare/1
Pioneer drama service also has several abridged plays. Go to full length plays and search alphabetically.
http://www.pioneerdrama.com/
http://www.bard.org has a few ideas listed under education
Good luck and Have Fun! Shakespeare is meant to be seen and enjoyed
Make Shakespeare fun by making modern connections first.
list a number of films that use Shakespeare’s plots or themes in Hollywood and beyond: for example, 10 Things I hate About You (Taming of the Shrew), Get Over It! (A Midsummer’s Night Dream), RAN (King Lear in Japanese no less). I’m sure you can think of others.
Shakespeare’s works deal with humanity. Explain to your students that his works are treasured and have lasted so long because he writes what it is to be human.
Have your students explore his poetry using their own style of rap lyrics.