Activity 1: Recite the Story Information
- Before and after reading or listening to the story, recite aloud the title and author of the play.
Activity 2: Narrate the Story
- After reading or listening to the story, narrate the events aloud in your own words.
Activity 3: See the Playwright and Poet William Shakespeare
- Study the controversial 'Cobbe portrait' below, which may be a real-life portrait of Shakespeare.
- The portrait contains the Latin phrase 'Principum amicitias!' which means 'The alliances of princes!'
Activity 4: Map the Play
- The play takes place in Messina, Sicily, which still exists today.
- Find Messina, Sicily on the map of Italy.
- Point to the location of Sicily on the map of the world.
Activity 5: Can You Find It?
During the week, zoom in to study the painting, 'Claudio and Don Pedro at the Supposed Tomb of Hero,' by Alexandre Bida. Find the following:
- Tomb of Hero
- Torches
- Priests
- Claudio (in black)
- Don Pedro (in red)
- Sword
- Hat with Feather
Activity 6: Rehearse the Play Scenes
- Use your theater, props, and characters to rehearse the two abbreviated scenes on pages 84-85 of 'Third Grade Shakespeare Theater Pages.'
Activity 7: Hold Opening Night
- Enact a live performance for family members and/or friends.
- Instructors may need to prompt children to say their lines.
- Important Note – Keep your actors, actresses, and set props safe for future productions.