Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Bell
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Invaluable study guide brimming with supplemental material.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Shakespeare in Bits: Romeo & Juliet iPad Edition
What's It About?
The full text of the play is featured side by side with an animated reenactment with professional actors reading the parts. Within the text, vocabulary is highlighted and can be tapped to view a more modern-day wording. Tabs at the top of the text let kids move easily among the text, section notes, a synopsis, and their own notes. A navigation bar at the bottom of the screen shows all options: viewing by scene, examining characters, reading analysis, and reviewing notes.
Is It Any Good?
SHAKESPEARE IN BITS: ROMEO & JULIET IPAD EDITION, as with the other Shakespeare in Bits apps, is an invaluable study guide for students or anyone looking to immerse themselves in one of Shakespeare's most famous works. As if the annotated version of the play wasn't enough, you can follow along with cartoon videos and hear every line read by professional actors (Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen), which enriches the experience considerably. And, unlike some Cliff's Notes-type books, you don't get the impression that the only purpose of this app is to help students write essays. It was truly designed to help people get the most out of a classic piece of literature.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about other tales of star-crossed lovers, from Gnomeo & Juliet to West Side Story.
Talk about the characters' choices and how they affect the outcomes of the play. Why do they make the choices they do? What would have happened if the characters had made different choices?
Since Shakespeare's plays were really meant to be seen, talk about the differences between reading the play and watching it. Consider going to a live production so kids can experience the play on a stage.
App Details
- Device : iPad
- Subjects : Language & Reading : storytelling , text analysis , vocabulary
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence , thinking critically , Tech Skills : using and applying technology
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Release date : October 30, 2014
- Genre : Education
- Publisher : Mindconnex Learning Ltd.
- Version : 2.0.1p
- Minimum software requirements : Requires iOS 7.0 or later
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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