Introduction to William Shakespeare
This introductory lesson provides Year 7 students with a foundational understanding of William Shakespeare. It covers his life in Stratford-upon-Avon, the cultural significance of the Globe Theatre, the three main genres of his plays, and an introduction to the 'Early Modern English' language. The lesson aims to demystify Shakespeare and show his enduring relevance to modern storytelling.
Learning objectives
- Identify key facts about William Shakespeare’s life and the historical context of the Elizabethan era.
- Recognise the three main genres of Shakespearean drama: Comedy, Tragedy, and History.
- Explain the physical features of the Globe Theatre and how they influenced performances.
- Define and identify examples of Early Modern English vocabulary.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 5 min
Do Now: Students list anything they already know about Shakespeare (movies, plays, quotes). Class feedback.
Teaching · 15 min
Direct Instruction: Teacher presents the 'Explainer' on Shakespeare's life, the Globe, and his language. Students note key vocabulary.
Guided Practice · 10 min
Class Discussion: Look at the 'Worked Example' (The Seven Ages of Man). Analyse the metaphor of the stage together.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Independent Work: Students complete the differentiated worksheets (Support, Core, or Stretch) based on their target level.
Review & Assessment · 10 min
Plenary Quiz: 8-question multiple choice quiz to check for understanding. Self-marking.
Key vocabulary
- Tragedian
- A playwright who writes plays that end sadly, usually with the death of the hero.
- Early Modern English
- The version of English spoken/written between 1500 and 1700.
- Groundlings
- Poor audience members who paid a penny to stand in the 'pit' at the Globe.
- Prologue
- An introduction at the start of a play that explains what will happen.
- History Play
- A play based on the lives of English Kings (e.g., Henry V).
Core worksheet (first questions)
- 1. Briefly describe when Shakespeare lived (dates and eras).
- 2. Explain the difference between 'Groundlings' and the wealthy audience members at the Globe.
- 3. What is 'Early Modern English' and how does it differ from the English we speak today?
- 4. Contrast a Shakespearean Comedy with a Shakespearean Tragedy.
Quiz (sample)
1. In what year was William Shakespeare born?
- A. 1492
- B. 1564
- C. 1616
- D. 1850
2. What was the name of the famous circular theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were performed?
- A. The Palace
- B. The Circle
- C. The Globe
- D. The Stratford Stage
3. What were the audience members who stood in the 'pit' called?
- A. Commoners
- B. Pit-dwellers
- C. Groundlings
- D. Peasants
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Support and Stretch worksheets, every answer and model answer, the teaching explainer and common misconceptions, editable and ready to print as PDF or Word.
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