Looking for an engaging way to bring Shakespeare to life in your classroom? This free download will help you tap into the power of rap to make Shakespeare more accessible, exciting and relevant for your students.
What’s inside the download?
- PDF guide – A thought-provoking and practical guide by Confucius MC, a former primary school educator with years of experience using rap as a tool for creativity and learning. This resource explains the natural connections between Shakespeare and rap. It shows how both art forms rely on rhythm, wordplay and performance.
- Rap metre template – This easy-to-use template helps students structure their own raps, reinforcing syllable patterns, rhyme schemes and rhythm. It’s a fantastic way to develop literacy skills while encouraging creative expression.
Why use rap to teach Shakespeare?
Many students struggle to connect with Shakespeare’s works, often finding the language outdated or complex. But when they realise that Shakespeare was a rule-breaking wordsmith, much like modern rappers, their perspective shifts. This resource will help you:
- Show students how Shakespeare wrote his work to be performed, just like rap
- Break down complex verse structures into relatable, rhythmic patterns
- Inspire students to write and perform their own Shakespeare-inspired raps, improving their confidence and writing skills
How to use this resource
Whether you’re introducing a Shakespeare unit, exploring poetry or looking for a fresh take on creative writing, this download gives you everything you need to get started.
Use the rap metre template as a fun and interactive classroom exercise, helping students master rhythm and rhyme in a hands-on way.
Confucius MC spent 15 years working in a primary school in Lambeth using rap as a tool for creativity and personal development. His new album, Songs for Lost Travellers, is out now. Follow on X at @confuciusmc. Browse more resources for Shakespeare Week.
