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Shakespeare in Bits: A Midsummer Night's Dream
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Shakespeare in Bits: A Midsummer Night's Dream lets kids see animated characters "perform" the play aloud on one side of the screen while the text is highlighted on the other. It gives kids studying Shakespeare the option to process the words by hearing them as well as reading, and there are lots of features that enhance the learning experience. Although it's presented tastefully, a bit of inappropriate content exists -- lots of sexual innuendos spice up the characters' antics. This app can help tweens and teens get the most out of Shakespeare's silliest, most magical of plays with a variety of handy features.
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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 - Price: $14.99
- Release date: January 25, 2012
- Category: Education
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Book Characters
- Size: 506.00 MB
- Publisher: Mindconnex Learning Ltd.
- Version: 1.1.2p
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.0 or later
Themes & Topics
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For kids who love learning and literature
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.