THE FOCUS OF THE UNIT

The title of this unit "Bringing Text to Life" reminds us that understanding and communicating a literary text is a creative process. "Bringing text to life" emphasizes the distinction between speaking and communicating , between reading and reading for meaning, and between writing and writing for discovery. Bringing text to life implies a layering of language types for reader and audience. This unit is designed to develop speaking, reading and writing for meaning and communicating interpretations of text using videotape technology. The overarching year-long goals or "throughlines" are for students to understand how to read different genres of American literature and communicate their interpretation. In this unit, students understand drama by interpreting an assigned scene from Shakespeare's play Macbeth and rehearsing that scene in small groups. A video camera is used to record the group's culminating performance. Also, students write a paper on the "page-to-stage" process and critique other videotaped versions of Shakespeare's play.

During each step of reading, reflecting, and rehearsal, students assess their work using feedback from the members of their acting group. In addition, they measure their efforts with a checklist of criteria. The instructor assesses students by monitoring deadlines, coaching performers during acting rehearsals, commenting on drafts of written work, and meeting one-on-one to check for reading comprehension of Shakespeare's script. The final presentation is performed in costume on stage in the school auditorium. Videotaping performances captures students' performances to help them critique, support and celebrate bringing text to life.

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• The Context of the Unit