Another great way to engage your students by creating a storyboard that uses Shakespearean vocabulary. Many students struggle with common Shakespearean words. Getting students to use them in context before reading is an excellent way to cultivate vocabulary comprehension. In the example below, students created storyboards using standard 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.
Bring learning to life by turning vocabulary review into a fun, interactive experience. Games help students remember new words and make lessons more enjoyable.
Decide between whole-class games like “Vocabulary Bingo”, small-group competitions, or quick-fire partner challenges. Matching the format to your students boosts participation and excitement.
Create word cards or digital slides using your target vocabulary. Include definitions or example sentences to support comprehension and reinforce usage.
Demonstrate how to play by walking through a round with the class. Show expectations and answer questions so students feel confident and ready to participate.
Recognize student effort with praise or small rewards. Invite students to use new words in stories, skits, or conversations to solidify learning and boost confidence.
A Shakespearean vocabulary storyboard activity is a lesson where students illustrate unfamiliar Shakespearean words or phrases in a visual format. Students create comics or storyboards using each term in a sentence, helping them understand and remember the language before reading Shakespeare's plays.
To help students understand Shakespearean words before reading, have them identify unfamiliar terms, define them, and use them in sentences or storyboards. Visual activities like vocabulary boards make meanings clear and boost confidence when encountering these terms in the text.
Common Shakespearean vocabulary words students may find challenging include marry (indeed), pray (to hope), sauce (sassy), and thou (you). Engaging activities help students use and remember these terms in context.
The best way to create a visual Shakespearean vocabulary lesson is to have students make a spider map or comic storyboard. Let them pick unfamiliar words, define them in their own words, and use each in an original sentence with an illustration or speech bubble.
Using Shakespearean vocabulary in context helps students develop comprehension, builds confidence, and makes the language less intimidating. Applying terms in their own sentences or storyboards ensures students can recognize and understand these words during reading.