Exploring Elizabethan History and Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' through Playwriting and Scene Work

Core Skills Analysis

History

• Gained an understanding of the Elizabethan era's cultural and historical background during which Shakespeare wrote.
• Learned about social, political, and artistic contexts that influenced the creation of 'The Tempest'.
• Explored key historical figures and events relevant to late 16th and early 17th century England.
• Developed awareness of how history shapes literature and theatrical traditions.

Literature

• Studied the structure, themes, and characters of Shakespeare’s play 'The Tempest'.
• Analyzed language and poetic devices typical of Shakespeare's writing style.
• Developed skills in interpreting complex text and understanding dramatic elements such as plot and conflict.
• Engaged in scene work to understand character motivations and dialogue delivery.

Creative Writing / Drama

• Practiced playwriting by creating or reimagining scenes inspired by 'The Tempest'.
• Learned to develop dialogue and stage directions to express story and character.
• Enhanced collaboration and communication skills through scene work and performance.
• Explored dramatic techniques such as pacing, tone, and character interaction.

Tips

To deepen understanding of Elizabethan history and Shakespeare’s work, encourage the student to research daily life, social hierarchies, and theatrical conventions of the era. Creating a timeline or diary entries from a character’s perspective can personalize historical events. Further engagement with Shakespeare’s language can be supported through acting out scenes or rewriting passages in modern English, fostering both comprehension and creativity. Consider having the student write an original short play inspired by themes in 'The Tempest', which helps integrate historical context, literary analysis, and creative writing practice in a dynamic way.

Book Recommendations

• Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' (Folger Shakespeare Library Edition) by William Shakespeare: A carefully edited version of 'The Tempest' with accessible notes and explanations suitable for young readers beginning to study Shakespeare.
• You Wouldn’t Want to Live During Shakespeare’s Time! by Fiona Macdonald: An engaging history book that offers a kid-friendly look at life in Elizabethan England, highlighting challenges and exciting facts.
• Write Your Own Play: How To Plan, Write, Perform and Produce a Play by Julian Beach: A practical guide for young writers exploring the playwriting process, with tips to craft dialogue, scenes, and stage directions.

Learning Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3: Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when appropriate.

Try This Next

• Create a timeline worksheet mapping key events of the Elizabethan era alongside major scenes from 'The Tempest'.
• Write a short script reimagining a scene from 'The Tempest' in a contemporary setting.