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
- The play takes place in the country of Scotland. Find Scotland (UK - Northern Part of Larger Island) on the map of Europe.
- In the story, English soldiers march on Dunsinane Hill. Find England (UK - Southern Part of Larger Island) on the map of Europe.
- Also in the story, Generals Macbeth and Banquo defeated a Norwegian King. Find Norway on the map of Europe.
- Point to the locations of Scotland, England, and Norway on the map of the world.
Activity 5: Can You Find It?
During the week, zoom in to study the painting, 'The Sleepwalking Lady Macbeth,' by Johann Heinrich Füssli. Find the following:
- Someone Who Believes They Have Blood on Their Hands
- Someone Going Mad
- Candle
- Lady Macbeth
- Someone Startled
- Hair Ribbon
- Sash Tied in a Bow
- A Pointed Finger
Activity 6: Rehearse the Play Scenes
- Use your theater, props, and characters to rehearse the two abbreviated scenes on pages 36-37 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.