William Shakespeare (Who Was...?)
#10 in Who Was...? Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Everyone has heard of plays like Macbeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream, but little is known about the man who wrote them, William Shakespeare from Stratford-upon-Avon. Many people believe that he was not the person he seemed to be, raising questions about his true identity and the authorship of the plays attributed to him.
Character compass
William Shakespeare
Discussion points
What are some of the challenges William Shakespeare faced and how did he overcome them?
Why do you think Shakespeare's works are still read and performed today?
How did the time period Shakespeare lived in influence his writing?
Can you think of any ways Shakespeare's plays impact our society or culture now?
What qualities do you admire in Shakespeare and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Draw parallels between the themes in Shakespeare's works and current events or personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their opinions and thoughts about Shakespeare’s life and works, validating their viewpoints to foster open communication.
Use creative prompts, such as imagining a day in the life of Shakespeare or rewriting a scene from one of his plays, to deepen engagement with the material.
Discuss the historical and cultural context of Elizabethan England to enhance understanding of Shakespeare’s works and their significance.
Pose hypothetical questions like 'What would Shakespeare write about if he were alive today?' to spark imagination and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The story of William Shakespeare's rise to fame is depicted, showing his initial struggles and relentless pursuit of his passion for writing.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting in the face of challenges, understanding that success often follows continuous effort and dedication.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Shakespeare's inventive storytelling and unique character creation are highlighted, showcasing his vast imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own creativity in writing, storytelling, or other forms of expression, demonstrating that imagination can lead to great achievements.
Example Lesson: Cultural and historical awareness
Explanation: The book sets Shakespeare's life and work within the broader context of Elizabethan England, providing historical insights.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this awareness to better understand the history and culture of different eras, fostering a deeper appreciation and curiosity about the world’s past.
Example Lesson: The power of language
Explanation: Shakespeare's mastery over the English language and his inventive use of words are emphasized.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the importance of language skills and inspire them to improve their communication abilities.
Example Lesson: Learning from criticism
Explanation: The book covers how Shakespeare dealt with criticism and used it to refine his plays and poems.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to view criticism as a tool for personal and professional growth rather than as a setback.