Activity Overview
Much like a Greek chorus announcing the events of a play, students will create a newspaper article that announces and details an event or events from Hamlet. While students will want to focus on one main event, such as the death of the king, they may also include side stories that they can extrapolate from sub-plots or their imagination. What might someone living at the time hear about the events at the castle?
Students should be sure to include illustrations of scenes or portraits to accompany their headlines much like a real newspaper. While students are welcome to write their pieces with Shakespearean flair, they can use modern English as well.
For additional templates to include in this assignment, check out our Newspaper Poster and Newspaper Worksheet templates!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create the front page of a newspaper set during or just after the events of Hamlet.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment."
- Create a title for your newspaper and a catchy headline for the main story.
- Use appropriate scenes, characters and items to create "photographs" for your article.
- Include captions for "photographs".
- Write the accompanying text for the main story, and any other articles on the front page.
- You may need to delete the placeholder lines and add new Textables.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/1] Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/3] Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme
- [ELA-Literacy/W/9-10/3] Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences
- [ELA-Literacy/W/9-10/6] Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headline and Descriptions | Students include a catchy headline for the front page as well as detailed descriptions for each event illustrated that explain what happened in a minimum of 3-5 sentences. | The headline and/or the descriptions for the events can be understood but it is somewhat unclear or too brief. | The front page is missing either the headline or descriptions of each of the events depicted. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the events using appropriate scenes, characters and items. It is clear the student took time and care in creating the illustrations. | The illustrations partially relate to the events but they are difficult to understand or appear rushed. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the key events of the story. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
How To Deliver News From a Neutral Perspective
Introduce Types of Journalism
Teachers can first introduce different types of journalism to students. They can also point out the importance of truth in this field of work and how journalists can remain unbiased while delivering important news to avoid any controversies.
Use Comprehensive Information
Students should gather all relevant data about the subject from a variety of trustworthy sources. Before presenting a topic to an audience, be sure they grasp it completely.
Use Unbiased and Objective Language
Pick words that are clear, impartial, and devoid of any emotional overtones. Avoid using language that is dramatic or overblown since it could skew perception. Teachers should help the students differentiate between neutral and biased writing styles.
Give the Facts First
The most significant and factual information should come first in your presentation. This makes sure that before any analysis or opinion, your audience is given the pertinent information. Students should also confirm the accuracy of these facts before using them.
Establish a Clear Line Between Facts and Analysis
Make a clear distinction between any analysis or opinions you offer and objective facts. To prevent confusion, use distinct parts or lucid signs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shakespearean Newspaper Announcement: Hamlet
Why should students work on the project of creating a newspaper announcement for Hamlet?
Readers might experience "Hamlet" through the perspective of Shakespearean language and historical context by creating such an announcement. It offers a fresh viewpoint that broadens comprehension while enveloping readers in the historical context of the play. The students can also experience a different field and type of work that journalists do through this activity for future consideration.
What Information Can the Announcement Contain?
The announcement may contain a variety of information such as Headlines: Catchy names for the key themes, characters, or events, News Reports: Extensive accounts of major dramatic occurrences, such as King Hamlet's ghostly presence or Hamlet's pretended insanity, Editorials: Statements of opinion on the themes, motivations, or societal repercussions of the play, Interviews: Characters are given fictional interviews in which they discuss their viewpoints on the events and Ads: Creative commercials for goods or services related to the themes and setting of the play.
What News Article Concepts Could You Use for the Announcement?
The emergence of King Hamlet's ghost, Hamlet's alleged insanity, the political games played out at the royal court, Ophelia's tragic demise and the catastrophic showdown at the end might all be subjects for news stories.
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