Here’s what my teacher did … she said to take a portion of the play (in our case MacBeth) and perform it as you like, as long as you keep Shakespeare’s intent. It should, however, be school appropriate and, as much as you think “boobs” will get their attention, why propagate another stereotype (a woman is only as good as her breasts).

In the case of my group, we turned the three witches scene into a “mad scientist” scene. We all wore white lab coats and funky clown wigs, used a big beaker instead of a cauldron and even had the science teacher put together some chemicals that had different small reactions every time we added something (eye of newt, etc.). We got a “A” and it was great fun to put our own spin on things. Other groups did equally fun and interesting interpretations as well. So, if some of your students WANT to do a rap version, more power to them, but let it come from them.

I do understand it’s more than difficult, it’s aggrevating to get through to so many kids. They are surrounded by stupidity on all quarters. You know the power of literature (at least I am assuming you do), present it with proper reverance, show your students that these are the works that have been developed by the finest authors in world history. Show them you know how to give the masters their PROPS.

Get them out of their desks, out of the straight lines they are forced to observe from. Find a place or make a place for them to open up and have some space. Does your school have a theater, auditorium, gymnasium, lunchroom or other space that’s different from their classroom? Use it, change the scenery. One of the most effective professors I have learned from did just that, she changed it up, broke the mold of the dull institution. We had class outside, under a tree on more occassions than any other. We took the stage, under the lights to get the feel of how Shakespeare intended his actors to move. We used props, not only from the prop department, but from home. Everyone was tasked to bring items that could be used while we read. WOW, did it help, especially for my classmates who just didn’t get it when seated in the classroom.

The person who decided that the only way to educate children was to move them between a series of classrooms should be $#*%.

DONT talk down to them. Teach them to appreciate what has been written, the intent of the author, how literature reflects the world at the time it is written. You can do so much more. Instead of the YO YO YO approach, teach them in a way that would allow them to take them home to have dinner with your family.

In 30 years of education I have never heard any justification for dumbing down teaching. I have seen school systems mandate it, but that is why our schools have become pitiful baby-sitting services instead of learning institutions.

Why don’t you get together with literature professors from local universities and colleges? IF none are available, call on your counterparts in your school district. IF that doesn’t work, make the calls to professors from distant institutions. Does your school have a drama department? Yes, bring in the director/teacher. NO, find one. Try local theater.

Perhaps you are thinking along the lines of Robin William’s in Dead Poet Society, if so or if not, get it and watch it. You could even use it in your lessons. Take a look at Danny Devito in Renaissance Man. Only two of the examples that popped to mind, there are others.

I hope this helps.

conceptually, it’s fine. but four pages? i’ll leave that to you. i WOULD, however, suggest some bit of famed dialog or soliloquy be translated into a rap. it might make the students more studious of the original lines and give them a deeper grasp of the meanings.

forgive me, but i must ADD you have a seeming disdain for awarding best answers. note the educator above me. that input, whether to your liking or not, took considerable time and effort. should not such efforts from those of us who spend time 1st reading and then composing answers and opinions for you be worthy of consideration of an earned reward??? thanks, sir.

All it will take is one kid going home and telling their parent how you said ‘boob’ in class.

Besides that, why would you teach such a group of teens to disrespect themsleves like that?