This resource encourages children in Years 5 and 6 to investigate two of Shakespeare’s most famous sonnets – looking at themes and structure – before composing their own poems.
In Key Stage 2, pupils should study the work of William Shakespeare. He was a master wordsmith and his plays contain language that we still use today. These activities explore his sonnets, reading two examples and exploring their themes.
Pupils will learn how sonnets are structured and have the opportunity to write their own.
The activities could be taught as part of a unit on Shakespeare, poetry or to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday in April and may be taught over a series of lessons.
This UKS2 resource pack includes:
- Sonnet 18 & Sonnet 27
- Exploring themes worksheet
- Shakespeare themed writing paper
- Teacher’s notes
National Curriculum English Programme of Study links
- Increase familiarity with poems from our literary heritage
- Identify and discuss themes in poetry
- Evaluate how authors have used language, considering the impact on the reader
- Draw on reading when planning and writing their own sonnets