William Shakespeare authored some of the most famous and widely read works of the English language, yet relatively little is known about him.

For instance, the exact date of his birth in 1564 is not known, and is now celebrated annually on the day of his death – April 23, 1616.

This means it is currently the ideal time of year to introduce his plays and other works into the classroom to encourage discussion and debate.

His works include 38 plays, 154 sonnets, a couple of narrative poems and a scattering of other verses, and have been translated into every major language.

Famed for penning comedies, tragedies and histories – although there is plenty of overlap – his works are read by thousands of children every year as part of the national curriculum.

His birthday represents the perfect opportunity for teachers – and not just those in English classes – to approach his works and relate them to modern life, historical Europe or any other topic of their choosing.

 

Shakespeare in the curriculum

Several major themes are explored across Shakespeare’s works, with loyalty present in nearly all of them. On top of that, betrayal occurs in Hamlet, there is jealousy in Macbeth and love in Romeo and Juliet.

These themes are still key for today’s younger generations and approaching them through the use of literature enables children to find more about their own responses to topics and situations.

Since 2013, all pupils between the ages of 11 and 14 must study at least two Shakespeare plays in full.

Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are among the works that are most commonly studied.

All of these works enable teachers to approach symbolic language, poetry and storytelling in both a historical and social context.

However you choose to approach the Bard’s works, you should find that they can be tied into the vast majority of topics and used to promote creativity, self‐expression and out‐of‐the‐box thinking.

 

The role of English language

Shakespeare used English terms and expressions that had never been used before, and while language has changed a lot since his times, he had a leading role in helping to shape it.

This means many of his works are open to interpretation, which is why so many of his works feature in the curriculum.

It’s also essential to remember that Shakespeare’s works were never meant to be read, but to be performed – another factor as to why they feature so heavily in drama lessons.

Understanding is therefore just as much about getting into character, as it is about understanding the words being spoken.

Shakespeare provided the basis for exploring written creativity, and any activities in class should focus on ensuring that creative spark is not lost.

You may want to get your students to write a short script to then perform in front of each other, or to put a modern spin on scenes from famed Shakespeare works.

 

Historical ties

Having been born in Stratford‐upon‐Avon, Shakespeare lived in Tudor England at a time when plague was prevalent and survival not guaranteed.

Around two‐thirds of children born in 1564 in the town died, but not young William. Teachers may therefore want to look at the conditions of the time, and to see how they contributed to Shakespeare’s life and upbringing.

For younger students you may want to approach some of the major historical events that occurred during Shakespeare’s life – including the voyage of Francis Drake, the Spanish Armada, the coronation of King James I and the Gunpowder Plot to name but a few.

Alternatively you may wish to consider the impacts of his works in the 400 years since his life, in terms of creating modern language, shaping the arts and even his influences on society more generally.

Regardless of if you’re a newly qualified teacher, or a long‐serving secondary school teacher, embracing the words of the Bard this April can bring excitement and discussion to your classroom.

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