how do you introduce students to shakespeare

^{10 Engaging Ways to Introduce a Shakespeare Unit}

• The Golden Standard- Shakespearean Insults. This is probably the golden standard for beginning any unit on Shakespeare. ...
• Introduce Shakespeare’s language with a Sonnet. Another great way to familiarize students with Shakespeare’s language is to begin with a shorter piece, and a famous sonnet does just that!
• Shakespeare WebQuest. Using a WebQuest will enable students to research information about the life, times, and works of Shakespeare.
• Phrases We Owe to Shakespeare. There are so many sayings and phrases that we use today that come from Shakespeare’s works. ...
Create an Infographic or One-Pager of Shakespeare’s Life. Another low-prep, no-prep activity to introduce a Shakespeare unit is to have students create either an infographic or one-pager about Shakespeare’s life.
Agree-Disagree Statement Activity. For this activity, students are given 5-10 debatable thematic statements that encompass themes from Shakespeare’s works.
Film Clips. Don’t be afraid to use film clips of scenes from the play before students begin to read. ...
The Seven Ages of Man Acting Challenge. Get students up and ACTING to start a Shakespeare unit. Give them copies of Shakespeare’s famous passage on the “seven ages of man.”
Famous Last Words. With this activity, students begin at the end of the play with the final death scene of the tragic hero.

How do you introduce a Shakespeare Unit?

Another low-prep, no-prep activity to introduce a Shakespeare unit is to have students create either an infographic or one-pager about Shakespeare’s life. They can use infographic templates from Canva.com, which are very user-friendly— or have students create one-pagers by hand.

How do I teach Shakespeare?

Shakespeare can be a bit intimidating to some. With the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, many teachers are facing the prospect of teaching a Shakespearean play for the first time. If you are looking for some ideas for getting through one of the Bard's plays without boring both yourself, and your students, to death, keep reading.

How can I get Started with Shakespeare’s words?

These words come up often in Shakespeare’s plays. So when they come up the first time, spend some time getting to know them! The artwork students will create to remind their classmates what “thou” means versus “thy” will make you giggle. The vocabulary video they create for “wherefore” will too.

How do you teach Shakespeare as an extension activity?

As an extension activity, have students translate the final death scene into modern-day English using a dictionary and then have them act it out using their translations. This is yet again another activity to familiarize students with Shakespeare’s language. What other activities do you use to introduce a Shakespeare unit?

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How do you teach Shakespeare in a fun way?

These strategies will help your bored class turn into Shakespearean enthusiasts.Make It a Privilege. ... Assign Roles Every Day. ... Act It Out. ... As a Teacher, Take on Roles. ... Do Shakespearean Insults. ... Check for Understanding Often. ... Sometimes, Just Go With the Flow. ... Use Many Comparisons to Real Life.More items...•

How do you teach Shakespeare to elementary students?

Shakespeare for Kids: An Easy 5-Step PlanStep 1: Introduce the Play. The first step is to do basically a Cliff's-Notes version of the play. ... Step 2: Memorize Some Lines. Familiarity breeds affection, not contempt. ... Step 3: Watch the Play. ... Step 4: Listen to the Play. ... Step 5: Play the Play. ... 17 Comments.

When should kids be introduced to Shakespeare?

While the majority of research into language development focuses on the early stages of infant to toddler growth, language acquisition, vocabulary learning and context awareness kick into hyperdrive during late elementary to middle school, making these years ideal for introducing Shakespeare.

What is the best introduction to Shakespeare?

You probably should start with a classic like Romeo and Juliet, the story is so familiar that you'd have no problem keeping up. But if tragedy isn't your thing you might want to pick up Midsummer or Much Ado About Nothing. Those are the first plays I read and I found them delightful and easier to read than some others.

How do you get students excited about Shakespeare?

5 ways to get your kids excited about ShakespeareShakespeare told through Short Clips. ... Take them on a tour. ... Get your students thinking with in-class activities. ... For the older kids. ... Extra teaching resources.

Who is Shakespeare for kids?

William Shakespeare was a poet, actor and dramatist and is often seen as the best writer in the English language. He lived in the late 16th and early 17th century, but his plays are still widely performed today.

Where should I start with Shakespeare?

If you are about to read Shakespeare for the first time then choosing the right play will help tremendously. Luckily variety is not a problem. I'd recommend starting with one of the most popular ones. Something like 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Macbeth', 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 'Othello' or 'The Merchant of Venice'.

Why is Shakespeare still relevant today for kids?

Not only did Shakespeare teach us about ourselves and humanity, but he also invented around 1700 words which we still use in everyday English today. He often changed nouns into verbs, verbs into adjectives, connecting words together and coming up with wholly original ones too.

How do I teach Shakespeare Charlotte Mason?

Our three-step process makes Shakespeare approachable and simple.Step 1: Read the Story. Read aloud a narrative version of the play, such as the wonderful retellings by E. ... Step 2: Hear the Script. Now that your students have the story framework in mind, go to Shakespeare's words. ... Step 3: Watch the Play.

How should a beginner read Shakespeare?

Many people have said they find reading Shakespeare a bit daunting, so here are five tips for how to make it simpler and more pleasurable.Ignore the footnotes. If your edition has footnotes, pay no attention to them. ... Pay attention to the shape of the lines. ... Read small sections. ... Think like a director. ... Don't worry.

How do you introduce Shakespeare to middle school?

Five Strategies for Teaching Shakespeare to Students with Learning DifferencesListen first. ... Start with 15-minute plays. ... Leverage media. ... Read in class. ... Teach common Shakespearean words and phrases like vocabulary. ... Don't read Shakespeare-made-easies!!!

What do I need to know before reading Shakespeare?

Study Advice: 5 Tips for Reading ShakespeareDon't be intimidated. ... Look up a summary of the plot before going in. ... Watch the plays being performed by actors who know what they're doing. ... Read the words out loud to yourself. ... Don't get stuck on details.

What strategies do the authors recommend to help a reader understand Shakespeare's language?

10 Strategies for Reading the Bard1.) Read out loud. ... 2.) Read to the end of the sentence. ... 3.) Look up unfamiliar words. ... 4.) Differentiate Thou, Thee, Thy, and Thine. ... 5.) Understand contracted words. ... 6.) Reword inverted sentences. ... 7.) Follow the action. ... 8.) Identify wordplay.More items...•

How do I teach Shakespeare Charlotte Mason?

Our three-step process makes Shakespeare approachable and simple.Step 1: Read the Story. Read aloud a narrative version of the play, such as the wonderful retellings by E. ... Step 2: Hear the Script. Now that your students have the story framework in mind, go to Shakespeare's words. ... Step 3: Watch the Play.

Why is teaching Shakespeare important?

Shakespeare is essential to everyday life beyond its use as literature. Shakespeare is not only relatable to readers, but it improves brain function, test scores and social skills. When Shakespeare programs remain in schools, students gain the best advantages. Teachers want students to succeed.

How do you do Shakespeare's reading comprehension?

Many people have said they find reading Shakespeare a bit daunting, so here are five tips for how to make it simpler and more pleasurable.Ignore the footnotes. If your edition has footnotes, pay no attention to them. ... Pay attention to the shape of the lines. ... Read small sections. ... Think like a director. ... Don't worry.

Tackling the Time Period

The first thing I do anytime I teach a Shakespeare play (or really any work from that time period) is introduce the students to the English Renaissance. We touch on the monarchs, explorations, achievements, religious turmoil, and writing styles. I created a Prezi (which I LOVE) presentation for this and had students complete guided notes.

Working with Words

I love the way that Shakespeare’s English sounds. My students? Not so much.

How to teach Shakespeare to students?

Get students up and ACTING to start a Shakespeare unit. Give them copies of Shakespeare’s famous passage on the “seven ages of man.” Have students work in groups to create a skit that acts out the text as a narrator reads. Students will have fun with this performance, and it will get them into the spirit of drama right from the start.

How to teach students to read Shakespeare?

It was meant to be seen as a performance. Show students clips of the most important scenes from the play and have them summarize what they think happens in each scene and then discuss. Beginning this way will help dispel comprehension issues as students read.

What is a Shakespeare Webquest?

Shakespeare WebQuest. Using a WebQuest will enable students to research information about the life, times, and works of Shakespeare. In fact, I like to have my students get into groups and create their own WebQuests with questions, websites, and answers— and then have them swap WebQuests with another group to complete.

What are some of the sayings that come from Shakespeare?

There are so many sayings and phrases that we use today that come from Shakespeare’s works. Sayings such as “One fell swoop” and “Break the ice” all come from Shakespeare. The Bespoke ELA Intro. to Shakespeare Kit contains a list of sayings and phrases we owe to Shakespeare. Students are to go through each one on the list and check off the ones they have either heard or have said themselves and then consider how Shakespeare’s works have influenced our language today.

What is the best way to familiarize students with Shakespeare's language?

Another great way to familiarize students with Shakespeare’s language is to begin with a shorter piece , and a famous sonnet does just that! I like to use either Sonnet 116 or 18, but any sonnet should do the trick.

Who is Meredith from TeachWriting.org?

Meredith is the founder and creator of TeachWriting.org and Bespoke ELA. She has taught high school English for 10+ years in Dallas, Chicago, and New York City and holds a M.A. in Literature from Northwestern University.

Can students share infographics?

Students can then share their infographics or put their one-pagers on display in the classroom to reference throughout their study of Shakespeare’s works.

How to teach Shakespeare to kids?

Begin by showing your children/students a picture of Shakespeare and explain when and where he lived and something about one or two of his plays. There are illustrations in the book for many of his plays–show them to your children/students along with the famous line associated with each play

How to help students think about Shakespeare?

Educators today are always looking for ways to help students to think. Reading Shakespeare definitely helps this process. Spend time everyday reading, discussing, and asking questions about Shakespeare’s plays with your kids. It’s one way to get your kids to think about and internalize what they are reading. Long-term, it will be one of the most valuable activities you do with them!

What is the lesson of Romeo and Juliet?

Everything in life does not have to be accomplished at breakneck speed! Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. There are several movie versions available and are a good way to introduce your teens to this play.

How did Shakespeare use his characters?

Shakespeare used his characters, each one having a special personality trait, for us to see a reflection of our own lives and make changes where needed. “Looking glass”—meaning mirror and he (Shakespeare) will hold this mirror up to us (through his characters) and show us our faults and virtues, strengths, and weaknesses.

How many plays did Shakespeare write?

Also called “The Bard,” (because he was considered the greatest poet ever) Shakespeare was born in Stratford on England in 1564 and died in 1616. He wrote 37 plays, which are read and performed in countries all over the world.

What is the lesson of Hamlet?

Lesson: Be honest with yourself; in action and deed and if so, you will be honest with others. Hamlet was voted the greatest book ever written, second only to the Bible. Interesting because the writings of Shakespeare contain five hundred references to the Bible

What is Shakespeare's point?

The point is—instead of worrying if everything he wrote is absolutely his creation, judge him by what you learn and glean from what he wrote. Teach your children the same.

What do you need to write a Shakespeare play?

You will need three things: a narrative of the play, written in story form; a copy of the script in Shakespeare’s words; and a live or recorded performance of the play.

What did Charlotte Mason believe about Shakespeare?

But Charlotte Mason believed that Shakespeare’s plays help instruct your student’s conscience and reinforce in story form the difference between right and wrong. And his powerful use of the English language was a valuable bonus.

How many plays can you level up in a year?

You could introduce one play every year or every two years; or you could level all the way up to three plays each year, covering a different play each term.

How to remind students of the last time they read a play?

First, you remind the students of what part of the story was read last time and ask what they recall about it. Now with that section of the play brought to the forefront of the mind, you can present the next section and the student will attach it to the previous one. So do a quick review first.

What to do if playback doesn't begin?

If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

How to make Shakespeare a good student?

1. Make it a Privilege. Make doing Shakespeare seem like something that students only get to do if they do all their work, and are well-behaved. Talk about it with excitement and anticipation. Don't worry about all the eye-rolling you will receive from this enthusiasm; that's just them being teenagers.

What are some good ways to supplement a play?

Another great tool to use to supplement the text is audiotape. If you can get ahold of these, they will let the students "hear" the play, which help the auditory learners in your classroom. As well, picture books are good, with visuals of the time of Shakespeare, and the costumes.

Why are daily journals important for Shakespeare?

Daily journals for Shakespeare study are very effective, because journals can become part of the routine, and therefore are more likely to be done by all students. You can use the journals in many different ways. A couple of the uses that I found most effective were the following:

How to be a good actor if you have never acted?

You can model the pronunciation, use of language, and acting. Even if you've never acted, you are a teacher, so you must have a bit of a ham in you!

Can you teach Shakespeare to a class that doesn't want to learn it?

Perhaps you are facing a class full of students who have no interest in reading, never mind reading Thee's and Thou's. It is possible to teach Shakespeare to a class that doesn't want to learn it. Teach Shakespeare in a way that gets students interested.

Can you teach Shakespeare for the first time?

With the new implementation of the Common Core State Standards, many teachers are facing the prospect of teaching a Shakespearean play for the first time. If you are looking for some ideas for getting through one of the Bard's play without boring both yourself, and your students, to death, keep reading. I offer some fantastic strategies for teaching Shakespeare the fun way.

Is back talk allowed in Shakespeare?

Yes, there are no insults like the ones thrown around in grand fashion by the characters of Shakespeare. This activity allows students to create their own insults, and is the one instance where back talk is allowed, and even encouraged. Hilarity ensues!

What is the draw of reading Shakespeare's plays?

Usually you don’t want to spoil the ending of a great read, but the endings of Shakespeare’s plays are pretty well known (hint: if it’s a tragedy, everyone important usually dies), so the draw of reading one of his plays is all about how the characters get to that point. Besides, Shakespeare is heavy on the dramatic irony, and having a general sense of the plot will further heighten the tension for students. For instance, when reading Othello, students are able to pay closer attention to the words and actions of Iago if they know he will be the undoing of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship.

Was Shakespeare a wordy guy?

Shakespeare was a wordy guy. Cut to the important parts of scenes and summarize the less important parts. I sometimes cut lines in the middle of scenes to shorten them, like the back and forth of the Montague and Capulet servants in Act I, Scene I of Romeo and Juliet.

How to help students who struggle with language?

Thinking about ways to preview the language in multisensory ways, interact with major ideas in ways that encourage transfer, and engage in theatrical analysis and critique will all help students who struggle with language.

Should students read in class?

Read in class. Students should be on their feet when they work with the text, not at home in their bedroom. Being there to support the reading experience alleviates anxiety and facilitates confidence with high-level text reading. It’s astonishing how willing my students are to read aloud in other classes after they’ve grown accustomed ...