When I started teaching, one of the most difficult standards for me to wrap my head around was CCSS 9-10.7/11-12.7. These standards focus on analyzing multiple versions of a text. They grow more complicated when teachers consider the 9-10 standard specifically indicates that students should consider two different mediums. The 11-12 standard identifies Shakespeare by name.
In an effort to help my students master this standard, I use these four strategies to help students visualize Shakespeare.
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Steps for Visualizing Shakespeare
First, I strongly believe that students should “act” out a play as they read it in class. In fact, I think that students performing a play, taking on characters, and staging a show is so important that I’ve written an entire post about how to facilitate this process.
Next, art work is another great tool for helping students visualize Shakespeare’s work. As we look at an image, we discuss how the artist’s version of the scene is different from the scene we acted out in class. Then, we look at how the artist uses shade, light, color, and composition. I am not an art teacher and do not have any classes or certifications in art, but this is a great way to discuss medium and mood. Here are some collections of artwork and analysis questions to accompany Shakespeare’s most-famous plays:
- 4 Images to Visualize Julius Caesar
- 10 Images to Visualize Romeo and Juliet
- 26 Images to Visualize Taming of the Shrew
- 48 Images to Visualize Hamlet
- 28 Images to Visualize Macbeth
Last, after acting out a scene in class and analyzing its appearance in artwork, my students watch a film clip of the same scene. During and after we watch each clip, I ask students to consider how the paintings are different from our classroom production of the play and how the professional production is different still from the paintings.
How do you help students connect different representations of the same content? How do you tackle this CCSS? Let us know your tips and tricks in the suggestions!
Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash
