Beginning Shakespeare: The Text

Words, words, words.

For many students, Shakespeare's language can initially be unfamiliar or intimidating. Chicago high school teacher Joe Scotese shows how introducing Shakespeare by getting students up on their feet and interpreting the play's action builds confidence and increases engagement with the text.

"It really does start with the text —the text that is written in front of them. They then have to come to an understanding of that text in order to act it out . As they are planning their movements, they are constantly coming back to the text," he says.

To try his lesson plan using the opening scene of The Tempest in your classroom, click here.