Activity 1: Recite the Story Information
- Before and after reading or listening to the story, recite aloud the title and author of the play.
Activity 2: Narrate the Story
- After reading or listening to the story, narrate the events aloud in your own words.
Activity 3: See the Playwright and Poet William Shakespeare
- Study the controversial 'Cobbe portrait' below, which may be a real-life portrait of Shakespeare.
- The portrait contains the Latin phrase 'Principum amicitias!' which means 'The alliances of princes!'
Activity 4: Map the Play
- In the play, Claudius murders his brother, the King of Denmark, to steal the throne.
- Find Denmark on the map of Europe.
- Find the capital city of Denmark and recite its name.
- Point to the location of Denmark on the map of the world.
Activity 5: Can You Find It?
During the week, zoom in to study the painting, 'Hamlet Stabs Polonius,' by Coke Smyth. Find the following:
- Hamlet
- Queen Gertrude
- Polonius
- Ophelia's Father
- Laertes' Father
- Someone Mistaken for Claudius
- Curtain
- Sword
- Hat with Feather
- Scabbard
Activity 6: Rehearse the Play Scenes
- Use your theater, props, and characters to rehearse the two abbreviated scenes on pages 53-54 of 'Fourth Grade Shakespeare Theater Pages.'
Activity 7: Hold Opening Night
- Enact a live performance for family members and/or friends.
- Instructors may need to prompt children to say their lines.
- Important Note – Keep your actors, actresses, and set props safe for future productions.