Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root for Romeo and Juliet (Real Reads retold by Helen Street). It is up to the teacher’s discretion which version of the Romeo and Juliet films they would want to use alongside if any. Children begin this sequence of lessons by discovering a crime scene in the playground. They will write up official police reports, using the passive voice to create a formal tone. Children will go on to develop their grasp of legal vocabulary, contrasting conjunctions, formal sentence openers and the subjunctive tone through letters and diary entries. This will culminate in children having a debate, in role as the Prince’s royal advisors, about who is mostly to blame for these tragic deaths.  Children will use this debate to plan and write a balanced argument. 

Synopsis of Text:

Romeo, son of the Montagues, thinks he's in love until he meets Juliet, the daughter of the Capulets, and discovers what true love really feels like. But their two families are bitter rivals, and no one must know about their passion and secret marriage. When Romeo kills Juliet's cousin in a revenge-fuelled sword-fight, their dream of happiness seems doomed. Can the two families ever be reconciled so Romeo and Juliet can have a life together, or will their plans bring even more tragedy?

Text Rationale:

This is a playscript version of one of Shakespeare’s most classic stories, including the original language and meter which will inspire children to go on and read further of the bard’s plays on their own.  The most well-known of Shakespeare’s stories, Rome and Juliet covers themes of love, rivalry and tragedy, this will be a good starting point for children to share their opinions on loyalty and betrayal and whether it is always the best thing to follow your heart. 

Links and Themes:

Shakespeare, playscripts, classic literature, love, betrayal, loyalty, rivalry, family, tragedy

Date written: July 2017

Updated: June 2023