A great way to engage your students in comprehending the text is by creating a storyboard that uses Shakespearean vocabulary. Many students struggle with the meaning of commonly used Shakespearean terms; getting them to use them in context before reading is an excellent way to cultivate the comprehension of vocabulary. In the example below, students were asked to create storyboards that use familiar Shakespearean terms.
In a Shakespearean vocabulary board, students can use the words in a sentence they create, or they can pick a phrase from the play. In the example storyboard, the student has chosen to create their sentences for their words:
"Then they asked me if that was the word of the Prince, and I replied, 'It was marry!'"
I pray the nurse comes quickly with good news!
The saucy porter wouldn't let me in without a password.
If thou hast a cold come see me... the friendly apothecary!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map storyboard for Shakespearean vocabulary words and phrases.
Many students are reluctant Shakespeare readers because of the vocabulary. If you acknowledge that going in you will tend to have more success in teaching his plays. Doing a variety of activities to make the vocabulary more accessible will assist students in understanding both the vocabulary and the play as a whole.
Shakespeare's vocabulary can be very difficult for students to comprehend. Using a fun game such as hurling insults at each other using Shakespeare's language will make it more accessible for students. And there are so many insults to choose from!
Using a graphic organizer will help students understand the vocabulary more clearly. Any descriptions and pictures they create themselves will help them to internalize the knowledge.
With so much distance in time and culture, students often find the language in Shakespeare difficult. Getting ahead of the curve to understand the vocabulary will go far in helping students to understand the play as a whole and make students feel more comfortable with the vocabulary.
Students should play, analyze, and create using the vocabulary from Shakespeare so they can get accustomed to it. Speaking the vocabulary out loud, creating graphic organizers, and even listening to the vocabulary on a tape will help students learn these new words more easily.