Hot topic: Literacy and Shakespeare

Literacy and Shakespeare classroom resources

In April, when spring is in the air, and imaginations fizz with excitement at the wake of the new season, we are given the opportunity to be inspired by the work of William Shakespeare. On 23 April each year we recognise the incredible impact The Bard has had on literature, and what better opportunity to deliver a range of literacy activities inspired by his works? From exploring adaptations of his timeless plays, to crafting your own stories inspired by his genius, to debating Shakespeare's relevance in today's classrooms, where will your pupils' imaginations be inspired to venture next?

Whether you're marking National Shakespeare Day, or simply wanting to find new and exciting ways of exploring Shakespeare in the classroom, this resource offers lots of ideas for literacy activities to explore his work, including:

• Book recommendations to read aloud with pupils aged 4 to 14 (from Early Years, through KS1 and KS2 to KS3/ P1-S3).
• Suggestions for oracy activities including storytelling, debating, and performance poetry
• Writing ideas such a creative writing prompts and modernising his works

The activities are designed to be adaptable for teachers working across different age ranges, and for the time you have available.

Explore our range of hot topic resources.

Function summary

• Useful for: classroom teachers, literacy coordinators, school librarians, form tutors.
• Suitable for: children across Early Years, KS1, KS2 and KS3/Early, first, second and third level, Progression steps 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• Use: classroom teaching ideas and activities for literacy
• Focus/theme: calendar moments as literacy learning hooks. See our schools literacy teaching calendar.