![English teacher techniques to engage students in Shakespeare](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/xj7QBuPpJU5zvAjZXbP8Wg/pupils+group+study.jpg?v=c0177715ce766bf628373941f15ffe78)
English teacher techniques to engage students in Shakespeare
Despite his material being written more than 400 years ago, William Shakespeare’s work continues to be a core pillar of English classes the world over. This is particularly true in England, the birthplace of the man regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. With the National Curriculum featuring more Shakespeare than ever – and today’s students seemingly worlds away from the language and themes explored in much of Shakespeare’s works - teachers and educators must be creative in the ways they bring Shakespeare to life in the classroom. The following tips should help to engage and inspire pupils to connect with Shakespeare.
Give students some background
Many students find it beneficial to understand the general themes or plotlines of Shakespeare before diving into a closer reading. Shakespeare’s plays can seem dense and onerous to young people, and this will be magnified if they don’t understand the general idea and storyline as they read. Known for his dramatic irony and intricate character developments and relationships, Shakespeare’s work could be re-read over and over and there would still be nuances left to discover. Give your students a leg-up by running through a play’s basic plot (such as “a man and a woman from warring families fall in love but are tragically doomed”) before they start studying it.
Reduced scripts can help to get students familiar with Shakespeare’s material. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has a broad range of these and other teaching resources that can be used in lesson plans.
Act it out
Shakespeare’s plays are designed to be acted out, but English teachers without access to drama studios and resources can feel limited in what they can deliver. While you don’t need to put on a full production, even reading scenes aloud can help students to think more deeply about the story and understand it as a performance. Beyond simply reading from the text, students can participate in ‘hot-seating’, where pupils take turns putting themselves in the shoes of a Shakespeare character and responding to questions about what they’ve done, what they’re thinking and how they feel towards other characters.
Make it relatable
Shakespeare enthusiasts – and English teachers – know that his work is full of complex characters, engaging plots and themes that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. The challenge is conveying this to students.
Pick out key themes in the texts – such as jealousy and racism in Othello, ambition and corruption in Macbeth and love in Romeo and Juliet – and explore these both in the context of the plays and in modern life. Hamlet’s anguish, Othello’s jealousy and Romeo and Juliet’s powerful, passionate love will be recognised by young people the world over, and these themes can be found in modern literature, cinema and music – and indeed, personal lives. Encourage open conversation about these themes and how they are weaved into both Shakespeare’s plays and modern society.
Look for film interpretations
As the most adapted writer in recorded history, Shakespeare’s work has been interpreted hundreds of times. While some teachers may be reluctant to prescribe modern adaptations of his work, some students benefit enormously from seeing themes explored in a current context, complete with more modern language, recognisable actors and cinematic styling. The 1995 version of Othello features some great acting, while Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet is a modernised, stylised version of the eternal tale. If you can bear language changes and complete modernisation, 10 Things I Hate About You is a brilliant interpretation of The Taming of the Shrew, while purists will appreciate Kenneth Branagh in the 1996 interpretation of Hamlet.
Approach it from new angles
Encourage pupils to consider different points of view within stories and ask questions of them. What were Iago’s motives, and does he have any redeeming qualities? What does Desdemona think of Othello, and what is her relationship with Emilia based on?
You can also change your approach to how students absorb Shakespeare’s works. From No Fear Shakespeare – full original text with translations into modern English – and audio versions of plays through to the animated Shakespeare in Shorts series, there’s something for every style of learner. To ensure students understand and engage with plays, set tasks afterwards. This could include telling a play’s story through a one-page comic, learning how to write like Shakespeare and taking interactive quizzes.
Looking for your next English teaching job?
Put your Shakespeare teaching skills into practice with a new teaching job. Whether you’re looking to teach primary, secondary or as a teaching assistant, we could have the perfect role. Search for your next job now.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£25 - 35 per hour
Location free text
Darlington
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
English
Location
Darlington
Description
Do you want to make a difference in children/young people’s lives? Are you looking for a change and want to try 1:1 tuition?TP Tutors are currently seeking an individual who is passionate about making
Reference
EP Darlington Eng
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North East TuitionAuthor
North East TuitionSalary
£110 - 200 per day
Location free text
Hertford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
English
Location
Hertfordshire
Description
Calling all Teachers looking to support in an English and Science Teaching role:Teaching Personnel are working with a vibrant and inclusive school located in the heart of Hertford. We are committed to
Reference
KDTEACHSEN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties SENAuthor
Northants & Counties SENSalary
£130 - 220 per day
Location free text
Northamptonshire
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
English
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
English Teachers Needed! We are the UK's leading recruitment agency, and we are thrilled to announce exciting opportunities for English teachers at one of our esteemed partner secondary schools in th
Reference
englishgeneral
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£30,000 - 46,525 per year
Location free text
Bury
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
English
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Teaching Personnel are looking to recruit an experienced English teacher to join the department at our excellent client school based in Bury. This school are looking to recruit an English Teacher to s
Reference
ET2607
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester West SecondaryAuthor
Manchester West SecondarySalary
£150 - 230 per day
Location free text
Coventry
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
English
Location
Coventry
Description
ENGLISH TEACHERARE YOU A QUALIFIED ENGLISH TEACHER SEEKING A NEW FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT WITH THE SUPPORT AND BACKING OF YOUR OWN PERSONAL RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT?Teaching Personnel are the market leaders
Reference
English T CV1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham SecondaryAuthor
Birmingham SecondarySalary
£25k - 50k per year
Location free text
Southampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£50,000 - £59,999
Sector
English
Location
Southampton
Description
Inspire the Next Generation as an English Teacher with Teaching Personnel in Southampton!Are you a passionate and dedicated English Teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the right to work in
Reference
SecEngSou
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£140 - 210 per day
Location free text
Great Barr
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
English
Location
West Midlands
Description
Are you passionate about enhancing the knowledge of young people for them to be successful at GCSE level and above?Can you confidently teach English literature and English language within a secondary
Reference
ENGGB2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham SecondaryAuthor
Birmingham SecondarySalary
£140 - 180 per day
Location free text
Burnley
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
English
Location
Burnley
Description
Job Advertisement: Interim English TeacherLocation: Burnley, LancashirePosition: Interim English TeacherContract Type: Temporary (September to December 2024)Start Date: September 2024Are you a passion
Reference
5EGBI
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£25 - 30 per day
Location free text
Nottinghamshire
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
English
Location
Nottinghamshire
Description
Join Our Team as an English Tutor in Nottinghamshire!Are you passionate about teaching and inspiring others? Do you have a knack for English literature and language? If so, we have an exciting opportu
Reference
ng14Eng19/07/24
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£143 - 230 per day
Location free text
Liverpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
English
Location
Liverpool
Description
English Teacher and associated subjectsJob Title: English Teacher and associated subjects Salary: £143 - £230 (Dependent on experience and pay scale) Location: Liverpool & Knowsley areas Start Date: I
Reference
Eng Teacher
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool BranchAuthor
Liverpool BranchRelated posts
![Educator CPD Academy](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/Av_2V6F5aEC2twjcn_1j1w/75/login_1920x1080+1.png)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
At the end of August, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining acc
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/ryYLTAUgi0K13Ajcn_1j1w/75/Beach+Chairs.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/6QReUHkFpkYLOgjaBTTvuQ/75/art_teacher.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/92m1zD5ZCUNS3wjccMG0QA/75/student_doing_exam_on_desk.jpg)
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/1JiaUO95dEYk0QjcZPn_1w/75/AdobeStock_547795360-medium.jpg)
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/LyDe-9wTrUrDVQjcOQ04FQ/75/nest-with-colored-eggs-near-tulips-easter.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
![Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working as a Supply Teacher](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/56oIbyPYNk995QjZ3DQLFw/75/interested-middle-school-students-in-biology-class-picture-id877033978+(2)-min.jpg)
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/E2R5-IdjYksh3QjcEq5ogA/75/iStock-911030084.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/7BJGolQM70gr5Qjb55O_4g/75/iStock-1007220880-small.jpg)
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
![](/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Scott Owen
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/nycCJ-tYgkdMngjb4FEIgw/75/iStock-1459337127.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job