Teaching Shakespeare can be a daunting task, even for experienced educators. However, with the right approach and a bit of enthusiasm, you can make his works engaging and accessible for students of all ages. In this article, we will explore 29 easy steps to help you teach Shakespeare effectively.
1. Set the stage by providing historical context about Shakespeare’s life and the Elizabethan era.
2. Choose the right play – consider your students’ abilities and interests.
3. Introduce key themes and motifs relevant to the chosen play.
4. Familiarize students with Shakespearean language by focusing on important monologues or soliloquies.
5. Provide a plot summary to ease students into the narrative.
6. Define unfamiliar words and terms relevant to the chosen play.
7. Discuss iambic pentameter and its importance in Shakespeare’s writing.
8. Break down complex scenes into easily digestible segments.
9. Assign specific roles to students and have them embrace their characters.
10. Use audio recordings or performances to help with pronunciation and comprehension.
11. Encourage active reading, including annotation and critical thinking exercises.
12. Adopt a creative approach when teaching the plays – incorporate activities such as rewriting scenes in modern language or creating artwork inspired by the material.
13. Draw comparisons between themes in the plays and modern-day issues faced by students.
14. Develop quizzes or games based on characters, plot twists, or quotes from the play to help solidify understanding.
15. Demystify tricky passages through guided reading sessions or focused group discussions.
16. Prepare students for challenging assessments by conducting practice essays or close readings on specific passages from the play.
17. Use multimedia resources, such as film adaptations, graphic novels, or online tools to support learning objectives.
18. Encourage cross-curricular connections (e.g., exploring the relationship between Shakespeare and music or dance).
19. Foster empathy and understanding for characters by encouraging students to take on different perspectives.
20. Promote group collaboration through activities like staged readings or group presentations.
21. Provide opportunities for students to engage with the material in different ways – verbally, physically, or visually.
22. Celebrate successes and applaud the creativity of students as they navigate their way through Shakespeare’s works.
23. Utilize resources such as commentaries, critical essays, or summaries to help deepen understanding.
24. Encourage independent exploration outside the classroom – suggest articles, TED Talks, or podcasts related to the play or Shakespearean themes.
25. Keep track of student progress and adjust your teaching methods accordingly.
26. Establish clear objectives and expectations for each lesson, helping students stay focused and motivated.
27. Offer constructive feedback on student work – whether written or performed – and provide guidance on how to improve.
28. Reflect on your own teaching methods and continually seek out ways to refine your approach.
29. Lastly, always remember to have fun – teaching Shakespeare should be an enjoyable learning experience for all involved.
By following these 29 easy steps, you’ll be well-equipped to bring the magic of Shakespeare’s works into your classroom and inspire a lifelong love for literature in your students. Happy Teaching!
