Shakespeare Text Messages: Comprehension and Reflection for ANY Shakespeare Play

Shakespeare Text Messages: Comprehension and Reflection for ANY Shakespeare Play

This resource bolsters engagement when reading ANY Shakespearean play by tapping into modern forms of communication: specifically the text message. The tools provided are designed to support reading comprehension for your high school students in grades 9-12.

The assignment features an example from the play Twelfth Night, translated into modern English text messages. Learners are encouraged to choose significant extracts (20-50 lines or 12-24 pieces dialogue) from the play they are reading, focusing on plot development, character evolution or theme expression. Then they translate their chosen passage into modern text messages (while adhering to standard grammar rules and punctuation).

What if the characters from the Shakespeare play you are studying lived in the modern world and were texting one another? Maybe two actors are having a private chat, or a few are in a group chat. Demonstrate your comprehension of an important scene in the play by converting it into a modern communication medium: texting.

Main Features:

• A sample converted passage from the play Twelfth Night so students can see the assignment in action.

• Blank text message pages for students to use when translating their own passage.

• Clear student instructions.

• A two-page reflection task to help students deeply comprehend their chosen passage. Questions Include: Summarize this part of the play in 3-4 sentences. Who are the main characters and what has been happening in the play before this scene? Why is this part of the play important? Make one or more connections to this passage. You can think of connections to yourself (did you ever feel the same way as the character?), connections to another novel or play you have read (is there something similar about the plot of the two stories?), or connections to current events (is this something that is still important hundreds of years after it was written?).

• A comprehensive rubric included for students to see how they will be assessed to to ensure easy and accurate marking!

Grades to Use With: This lesson is perfect for students in English Language Arts in grades 9-12 who are reading ANY Shakespeare play.

What's Included:

8 page PDF