For those of you who don't know about
Video Placement Worldwide, they have a pretty cool service where they distribute free educational films to teachers. Some films are made by interesting non-profits, others come from commercial entities looking to shill their wares. No matter the subtext of the film, the materials usually have some solid educational content.
This one comes from the NEA and it is OK. Not one of their best, but certainly worth having, checking out and using in clips. They also have some nice simple full color printouts you can give to kids that makes it worth an order.
It is free, I always recommend checking VPW materials out and deciding wether or not you'll use them after a good preview.
Shakespeare In American Communities
Sponsor: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Arts Midwest
Grades: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, College: Freshman, College: Sophomore, College: Junior, College: Senior
Duration: 20 Minutes
Closed-Captioned
This video was produced in connection with the National Endowment for the Arts' "Shakespeare in American Communities" initiative, featuring the largest professional tour of Shakespeare plays in U.S. history.
The "Shakespeare in American Communities" Teacher Resource Packet contains a CD entitled Shakespeare In Our Time, a DVD entitled “Why Shakespeare?,” a teacher's guide, a "Teaching Shakespeare" audio CD, a Shakespeare timeline poster, a recitation contest booklet, 50 student brochures, and another teaching poster.
The video itself provides an introduction to William Shakespeare, his times and his plays. Through a colorful combination of movie excerpts, stage performances and insights from well-known actors who have played Shakespearean roles, the program explores Shakespeare's life; Elizabethan society and the theater of the era; Shakespeare's unforgettable characters; the vigor and beauty of his language; and the influence his work has had throughout society in the United States and the world. Students will learn that Shakespeare wrote not only for a wealthy and educated few in his own day, but for audiences from all walks of life and for all time.
More info go here:
http://www.vpw.com/educational/results.asp?SEARCH=ALL
And here:
http://www.vpw.com/partner/shakespeare/