Video summary
We discover that Shakespeare was born into an age of exploration; but they were dangerous times, too.
Even though the world was becoming smaller, people still believed in old superstitions, and that Shakespeare was able to take witches, ghosts, spirits and the concept of Destiny and weave them into something special – plays that were enjoyed by everyone, rich or poor.
The clip features 'Macbeth', 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'.
This clip is from the series i.am.Will Shakespeare.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could investigate what people believed in when Shakespeare was alive.
Or they could explore the discoveries that were made by explorers like Sir Francis Drake on his ship the Golden Hind.
With the discoveries they make they could write their own play.
Pupils could also come up with a spell like that of the three witches in Macbeth.
Can they make a list of ingredients they would put into the cauldron and turn it into a poem like Shakespeare did?"
This clip will be relevant for teaching English at KS2 in England and Wales, KS1/KS2 in Northern Ireland and 2nd Level in Scotland.
Who was William Shakespeare? video
Newsround presenters Leah and Ricky Boleto visit Shakespeare's birth place Stratford-upon-Avon and go to London to see scenes from his plays at Shakespeare's Globe.
Introducing 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' video
Find out more about the magical world of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream', a fast and funny play set in a enchanted place where the worlds of fairies and humans collide.
Introducing 'Romeo and Juliet' video
Find out more about Shakespeare's tragedy 'Romeo and Juliet', the story of young star-crossed lovers who risk everything to be together and are doomed to die.
Shakespeare's theatre. video
Ricky Boleto and Leah Gooding explore Shakespeare’s theatre by visiting Shakespeare’s Globe, trying on costumes and finding out about the special effects.
