Shakespeare Introduction, Shakespeare Stations, Pre-Reading

Looking for a Shakespeare introduction activity for your upcoming unit? Look no further.

One of my favorite things about teaching novels and plays is the pre-reading activities! There are so many great ways to introduce new readings. When my class was going to start Romeo and Juliet, I really struggled trying to find creative ways to introduce the play or Shakespeare.

There are many lectures and PowerPoints available to introduce Shakespeare, but I knew my students wouldn't be engaged. If I wanted to invest my students in Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet for six weeks, I needed to start Day 1 with a bang.

Introducing: Shakespeare Stations.

Included in this download:

★ Six station tents/labels that will introduce students to a Shakespearean topic: the Elizabethan era, Shakespeare's works, etc.

★ Six informational handouts - 1 per station. These sheets are full of information (some of them have interesting Shakespearean facts). Place each handout at the corresponding station.

★ Six handouts for students to record notes on for each station. This download also comes with a type-able PDF document for student notes so that you can save paper and assign through your school's online platform!

★ Answer Key for student handouts in case you're too busy to read through all of the station postings.

★ One Do Now/Exit Ticket sheet to activate prior knowledge and quickly assess what stuck with students after they rotate through the stations.

★ A PowerPoint that goes over the directions for your students. Even if your students have done stations many times, they still need a reminder of the expectations. This PowerPoint also includes time for the Do Now and Exit Ticket. There are a few features that you won't be able to edit in this PowerPoint (pictures and purchased fonts), but you will be able to edit the instructions to meet the needs for your kiddos.

Shakespeare is often misunderstood by students. This activity will allow students to discover who Shakespeare is and become a little more familiar with his language.

I know your students will have fun while you introduce Shakespeare in this unique way!