Shakespeare Week will mark its 10th anniversary when it takes place from March 18 to 24 with resources available to help primary schools run activities and lessons.
Image: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust -

The event is organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and is aimed specifically at primary school pupils.

It seeks to bring the playwright and his works to life, offering a positive first experience of Shakespeare for children.

In the run-up to and during the week there are a number of events being planned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s 12 regional hubs, as well as a celebratory event and free activities in the playwright’s home of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Teachers can also access free digital resources to use during the week, including lessons plans and ideas. There will be digital broadcasts of special events during the week too.

Sally Maddison, headteacher of Sir John Sherbrooke Junior School in Nottingham, which takes part in the annual celebrations, said: “When I first discovered Shakespeare Week, I wasn’t really into Shakespeare, but thought I’d give it a try with my class using the resources. I was blown away by the reaction of the children. These were inner city nine-year-olds, who struggled with behaviour and engagement and yet when it came to engaging with Henry V and the resources, they couldn’t get enough.

“After seeing the impact Shakespeare Week had on a single class, I rolled it out across the whole school, with children as young as three engaging with Shakespeare. People think Shakespeare is for the elite or for older teenagers – so many people underestimate younger children and the power Shakespeare can have on them.’’

Teachers can register their interest online in receiving the free Shakespeare Week resources. As part of the celebrations, schools can also request their free copy of the Children’s Folio, which includes all 36 plays in Shakespeare’s original First Folio in an abridged format.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is an independent charity that cares for Shakespeare heritage in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon. As well as Shakespeare Week, the charity runs a number of learning initiatives throughout the year and publishes free digital resources.

 

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