Download Background to Shakespeare

Background to Shakespeare
Jigsaw Research Assignment
Time: 2 – 3 periods
This assignment will allow students to gain background information on William
Shakespeare, Elizabethan England, and the Globe Theatre. It will also help students
develop skills in using different reference tools.
Necessary resources:
 Background to Shakespeare Handout
 Encyclopedia volumes E, G, S: (Elizabethan, Globe Theatre, Shakespeare) and
reference books on these topics
 Trade books: (* enough for 2 groups)
o Globe theatre, Shakespearean theatre
o Elizabethan age
o William Shakespeare
o About Shakespeare’s works
 Selected Internet Sites: (Life of Shakespeare, Globe Theatre, Elizabethan times,
Shakespeare’s works)
Set up four work stations for the students
1. Internet
2. Books 1
3. Encyclopedia and Reference books
4. Books 2
Divide the class into groups of four. Number each student in the group a 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Pass out the student handout to each of the students. Quick have the students go over the
handout in each of their ‘home’ groups. Discuss any questions they may have. Explain to
the students that they will be locating the information to answer the questions by using
different resources.
Each student will have an opportunity to use each of the resources. Students will gather
together with the students from other groups with the same number (1’s with other 1’s, 2
with other 2’s, etc.) at a particular work station. After 15 minutes of time researching
answers at the assigned work station, students will meet back with their home group for 5
minutes to share the answers that have been located and to develop a plan to find more
answers. The numbered students will then be sent to work at different work stations for
another 15 minutes and again return to their home group for 5 minutes of sharing and
planning. This continues until each student has been through all four stations.
As a whole class answer any questions which are still left blank. Discuss which resources
were most useful to answer which questions. Discuss the value of the different types of
resources. Ensure students have an understanding of Shakespeare and his works.