Free Printable Shakespeare Memory Game
Embark on an adventure into Shakespeare’s world with the exciting Shakespeare memory game printable.
Designed to make the exploration of Shakespeare’s world for younger children both fun and educational.
Featuring iconic imagery related to the Bard’s life, works, and the Elizabethan era, this printable game is perfect for introducing children to the richness of Shakespearean literature in an engaging and interactive way.
With its mix of learning and fun, this printable memory game guarantees hours of entertainment for everyone.
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Shakespeare memory game for young learners
Get ready for a fun twist on learning with our Shakespeare memory game! This game is perfect for young students in preschool through 1st grade, whether you’re in a classroom setting or learning from home.
Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What you’ll need:
- cardstock (it’s thicker and keeps the images from being seen through the paper, but if you only have regular paper, that’s okay too).
- Scissors or a paper cutter.
- A laminator (not a must, but it does help if you want the cards to last longer).
Setting up the game
To prepare for the game, you’ll need to download and print the game printable. It includes 12 unique Shakespeare-themed images on one page. Remember to set your printer to portrait mode. You’ll need to print the page twice to have pairs for matching.
This game is free to use for personal or educational purposes. Look for the download link at the bottom of this post.
Once printed, follow these steps:
- If you want, decorate the back of each card to make them even more special.
- Cut out the images. If you’re using regular paper, colored pencils or crayons are best to avoid ink from bleeding through.
- Laminating your cards will make them sturdy and durable, especially for eager little hands.
How to play
After preparing your cards, you’ll have 24 in total. Shuffle them and place them face down. You can either arrange them in neat rows or spread them out randomly on the table.
- Organizing them in rows can make it easier for young players to remember the locations.
- Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time, looking for pairs that match.
- If a pair matches, they can keep the cards or just leave them face-up.
- The game continues until all the pairs have been found. The player with the most pairs wins!
This Shakespeare memory game not only adds fun to learning but also introduces young students to the world of Shakespeare in a fun way. It’s great for developing memory skills and perfect for history, social studies, or language arts classes.
Check out the best gifts for Shakespeare lovers of all ages!
Shakespeare vocabulary
Let’s dive into the stories behind the images on our memory game cards. Each one offers a unique snapshot of Shakespeare’s world, giving us a chance to learn something new and fascinating. Plus it is a great way of introducing Shakespeare to young children.
- Female actor: Back in Shakespeare’s day, all the roles, including the women’s, were played by men. So when you see this card, imagine a man in elaborate costumes portraying famous heroines like Juliet or Lady Macbeth.
- Hamlet: This card features a male actor holding a skull, representing one of the most famous scenes from “Hamlet.” It’s a moment where Hamlet reflects on life and death, showcasing Shakespeare’s deep insights into the human condition.
- Globe theater: Picture a bustling, open-air theater where people from all walks of life came to see Shakespeare’s plays. This was the entertainment hotspot of its time, where stories came to life.
- Hornbook: A tool for young learners, the hornbook was essentially a wooden board with a sheet of paper containing the alphabet, covered by a thin sheet of horn for protection. It was a staple in children’s education.
- Inkwell: In an age before modern pens, an inkwell was a small jar filled with ink. Writers would dip their quills into it to write anything from letters to plays, making it an essential item for Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
- Mask: Actors used masks to quickly change characters or emotions, crucial for storytelling in a time when costumes and props were limited. It’s a reminder of the creative ways stories were told on stage.
- Playhouse stage: The central spot where all of Shakespeare’s dramas unfolded. With minimal scenery, the stage was a blank canvas transformed into different worlds by the actors’ performances and the audience’s imagination.
- Apples to throw at audience: Audiences were much more interactive, sometimes showing their enjoyment (or lack thereof) by throwing apples or other items. The theater was a lively, communal experience.
- Shakespeare: Considered the greatest playwright of the English language, this card shows Shakespeare, whose plays and poems have transcended time and continue to be celebrated worldwide.
- William Shakespeare as a Boy: Before he became the iconic figure we know, Shakespeare was a boy, learning and growing, much like any student today. This card reminds us of his humble beginnings.
- Shakespeare’s head: Often used to symbolize Shakespeare’s lasting legacy, this image represents his impact on literature and the arts, enduring through centuries.
- Quill: The main writing tool of the era, made from a feather. This card represents the craft of writing in Shakespeare’s time, when each word was carefully inked by hand.
Older kids will love our free Shakespeare word scramble printable too!
Download the free Shakespeare matching game
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Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!
Last Updated on 18 July 2024 by Clare Brown