Lesson Plans
Folger Education offers lesson plans on Shakespeare's frequently taught plays, as well as lessons on introducing Shakespeare. Try the plans below, or, for more lesson plans on The Winter's Tale, visit the Lesson Plans Archive.
"Why is Leontes jealous?"
In this lesson plan, you'll cover NCTE standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 12. In this lesson, students explore possible causes for Leonte's jealousy by interpreting language and acting out scenes between characters, as well as looking at contemporary sources on relationships between the sexes.
"Strike a Pose: Music and Vogueing in The Winter's Tale"
In this lesson plan, you'll cover NCTE standards 1, 3, and 12. The lesson is best used after students have read through Act 3. Students use single lines, images, and music to interpret and perform scenes from Act 3, a pivotal point in the play.
Teaching Tools
The Folger edition of The Winter's Tale includes facing-page notes and illustrations throughout the play; background information on the play, Shakespeare's life, theater, and times; notes on unfamiliar language, or words that meant something different in Shakespeare's day; and a scholarly assessment of the play in light of today's interests and concerns.
A Study Guide featuring a plot summary, a list of characters, background information, interactive activities, and discussion questions is an excellent tool to prepare students for seeing the play performed, or to reinforce classroom activities.
Audio and Video Resources
Actor Interview
Actors Daniel Stewart (Leontes) and Connan Morrissey (Hermione) discuss the themes of the play in this "behind-the-scenes" interview.
The Winter's Tale Podcast
Introduce your students to The Winter's Tale with our Folger Insider's Guide podcast, featuring commentary from Folger Shakespeare Library Director Gail Kern Paster, Folger Theatre Dramaturg Michele Osherow, and members of the cast.
Original Music
Sample original pieces that evoke the many moods of The Winter's Tale by sound designer and composer Matt Neilson.
Language
For many students today, reading Shakespeare's language can be a challenge. Things to pay attention to in The Winter's Tale include unfamiliar words, unexpected word order, and plays on words.
Opportunities to perform Shakespeare while learning Shakespeare can aid greatly in comprehension. To see performance-based education strategies for your classroom, check out our clips on YouTube here.
About the Play
The Winter's Tale was first printed in the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays in 1623.
To learn more, explore our Discover Shakespeare online resource, including the sections highlighted at right.
