​Shakespeare’s work has stood the test of time for centuries, and is a part of English literary tradition. His plays and sonnets make excellent material for teaching language, and can be a great way to broaden your pupils’ horizons.

The first very important tip is to keep things interesting. Don't forget that Shakespeare's plays were first written as entertainment. Therefore it is important to remember this when teaching them in the classroom. Try to bring his works to life through use of visuals and audio, as well as allowing students to act out particular scenes.

The second tip is to focus on language skills. Although there is much to the plays besides the language, it is particularly important to focus on the language itself when teaching Shakespeare. Encouraging your students to read the plays and sonnets aloud will help them develop their understanding of the language as they hear it spoken.

A third tip is to create an environment of discussion and debate among your students. Allow your students the opportunity to talk about what they have read, asking open-ended questions such as “What do you think this means?” or “What themes can you identify in this scene?” This will allow them to think more critically about the text and come to their own conclusions.

Finally, don’t forget that there are plenty of resources available online and in print which can be used to supplement your teaching. These resources can provide extra information, activities and links to potential areas of further exploration.