Last week, we blogged about National Poetry Month. It seems that April has a flair for the literary, because it's also the month of William Shakespeare's birthday! That's right, the man whom many call the greatest writer in the English language walked onto the world's stage on April 26, 1564. Things haven't been the same since.
We'll spare you the skinny on Mr. Shakespeare - you've likely heard it before. If you want to know more about the Bard of Avon, or any of his 38 plays, check out Shakespeare Online.
If you teach young students or children, don't stop reading! The actual works of the playwright might be beyond your student's grasp; that doesn't mean you can't celebrate his legacy in your classroom. Teach your students about the life and times of William Shakespeare. The man's story is interesting (and somewhat mysterious), and the world he wrote for was rich and fascinating.
Though your students might struggle with King Lear, April is a perfect month for a class or school play of any level. Show your class video performances or take a field trip to a local theater. Get them talking about drama and the stage. Create a short play, assign roles, practice, and perform for other students, teachers, or parents! It may sound like lots of work, but students will learn a prop room's worth of valuable lessons and skills.
If your students are old enough to tackle a Shakespearean play, this is the time to do so. This takes time and effort (especially for the students), but the rewards are many. Many of the themes and ideas behind Shakespeare's greatest works still apply - students will learn and react in amazing new ways. Translation can be tricky - the daily speak was somewhat different in the 16th century - but fear not, Lorenz Educational Press has you covered with the Access to Shakespeare Series. These full plays contain original texts alongside simple, modern translations. Click this link to take a gander. We've got five of the Bard's greatest plays - take a look!
How do you plan on saying Happy Birthday to William Shakespeare this April? Share your ideas in the comments section below!
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