Shakespeare in Bits: A Midsummer Night's Dream
By Stacy Zeiger,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Get the most out of magical comedy with text and animation.
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Shakespeare in Bits: A Midsummer Night's Dream
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What’s It About?
Animated Shakespeare is what you will find in SHAKESPEARE IN BITS: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. Scene by scene, teens can watch animations that follow the text of the comedy to a T, seeing the text highlighted and/or appear as subtitles as characters speak and clicking on unfamiliar words for their definitions. Other supports, such as scene synopses, character profiles, and general analysis help enhance their understanding of the play.
Is It Any Good?
Reading Shakespeare can be a really frustrating experience for lots of kids, but those struggling with the dense text will see a light at the end of the tunnel when they encounter this version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. By placing the animations and text side by side, kids do more than watch a video version. They connect the words directly with the action, helping them not only understand what's going on in this magical play but also build an understanding of the language of Shakespeare. Although the animations may not be the highest quality, and some of the magic of the fantastical setting may be lost, it offers a way for readers to connect with and better understand an often-confusing play.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's sometimes easier to hear a play than simply to read it. Have your kids act out or read favorite scenes aloud and ask them if their experience changes.
Many cities present free Shakespeare plays in parks. Check your local theater listings and watch your kids discover how goofy and fun the Bard can be, especially in this particular play.
App Details
- Device: iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: reading, reading comprehension, text analysis
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: thinking critically, Communication: listening
- Release date: January 25, 2012
- Category: Education
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Book Characters
- Publisher: Mindconnex Learning Ltd.
- Version: 1.1.2p
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.0 or later
- Last updated: August 17, 2016
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