Lesson Plan 
A Brief Introduction: History of the 
English Language 
 

Summary 
1. Subject(s): History of the English Language 
2. Topic or Unit of Study: 1600 Literature - ​The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of 
Denmark 
3. Grade/Level: 12th Grade, Advanced Placement Literature and Composition 
4. Objective: Students will review the previous lesson’s information by matching 
sample texts to different periods in the development of the English Language, and 
then will paraphrase excerpts from Shakespeare’s plays from Early Modern 
English to Modern English to acclimate to Shakespeare’s language. 
5. Time Allotment: One, 50 minute period. 

Implementation 
Learning Context 

By working collaboratively, students will explore the development of the English 

Language through various passages. Their main focus will be to prepare for the reading 
of ​The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark​ by paraphrasing sentences from 
Shakespeare’s plays into Modern English. 

Procedure 

a. Anticipatory Set 

Think-Pair-Share: The teacher will ask students to turn to their elbow partner and 
summarize what they learned the previous day. After students share out, the 
teacher will ask students to look at the student handout titled, “Matching Game: 

1 
 

 
H.E.L..” Students will have about 10 minutes to match the passage to the correct 
period of English Development and to give a brief explanation of their reasoning. 

b. Direct Instruction 

First: Teacher instructs students to read the handout titled, “The Language of 
Shakespeare I.” As they read, students should annotate the text for key ideas and 
questions they may have. 

c. Guided Practice 

First: Students read the handout titled, “Shakespeare’s Language I.” 

Second: After about 20 - 30 minutes, the teacher leads a discussion on the 

handout students read and clarifies any questions they may have about the Word 
Order, Pronunciation, and Pronoun use in Shakespeare’s language. The teacher 
selects a few students to share their conclusions about Shakespeare’s use of 
“thou” and “you” in the excerpt from ​Hamlet​. 

d. Check for Understanding 

As students work on the translations, the teacher addresses questions and 

concerns. 

e. Independent Practice 

Students work independently for the last part of class. They work on 
“Shakespeare’s Language II” where they will translate sentences in Shakespeare’s 
plays into Modern English. 

f. Closing 

Students will complete their translations of Shakespeare’s sentences for 

homework if they do not finish in class. 

Materials & Resources 

a. Instructional Materials: 
a. Matching Game: H.E.L. Answer Key 
b. Resources: 

2 
 

 
a. Matching Game: H.E.L. Student copy 
b. Shakespeare’s Language I Student Handout 
c. Shakespeare’s Language II Student Handout 
d. The Language of Shakespeare I (Hints for translations) 

Assessment 
The handout titled “Shakespeare’s Language II” will serve as an assessment of today’s lesson. 

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