TeachersFirst's Julius Caeser and the Ides of March
The Ides of March, famously known as the date of Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE, offers a fascinating entry point into ancient Roman history, literature, and politics. This collection of resources is designed to help educators bring this pivotal moment to life in their classrooms. From exploring Shakespeare's dramatic interpretation of "Julius Caesar" to examining primary sources and the political climate of ancient Rome, these materials provide diverse approaches to engage students with this historical event. View our entire collection related to Romans. We also have resources directly related to Julius Ceasar.
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Ancient Rome for Kids - Learn Bright
Grades
3 to 7
The YouTube video "Ancient Rome for Kids: Learn All About the History of Roman Empire for Kids" provides an engaging overview of the city's transformation from a small village ...more
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The YouTube video "Ancient Rome for Kids: Learn All About the History of Roman Empire for Kids" provides an engaging overview of the city's transformation from a small village to a vast empire. It highlights key aspects of Roman history, including the founding of Rome, the shift from a republic to an empire, and the rise of influential figures like Julius Caesar and Augustus. The video also explores the social structure, cultural practices, religion, and entertainment, such as gladiator battles. Additionally, it covers the decline of the Roman Empire and its lasting influence on the modern world, offering insights into Roman law, governance, and contributions to Western civilization. It's recommended to check if YouTube is accessible on school networks if you are planning to use this resource in the classroom.
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tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), religions (95), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Students can research the lives of gladiators and write a short diary entry from the perspective of a gladiator preparing for a day in the Colosseum. Assign students to small groups to research and present on specific Roman innovations (aqueducts, roads, architecture, or legal systems). Include hands-on projects, such as building a simple model aqueduct or designing a Roman-inspired building. Guide students in comparing the Roman Republic's government structure to that of the United States. Create a Venn diagram on paper or using Canva reviewed here to explore similarities and differences, focusing on concepts like representatives, branches of government, and voting rights.Ancient Rome 101 - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 8"The Story of Ancient Rome" provides an engaging overview of Rome's evolution from a small village on the Tiber River to a sprawling empire that shaped Western civilization. It explores...more
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"The Story of Ancient Rome" provides an engaging overview of Rome's evolution from a small village on the Tiber River to a sprawling empire that shaped Western civilization. It explores Rome's history through three major periods: the Regal period of kings, the Republican era of governance by elected officials, and the Imperial period characterized by expansion and famous emperors like Julius Caesar, Octavian, and Nero. The video highlights Rome's military prowess, engineering innovations like aqueducts and roads, and cultural adaptability, such as adopting elements from the Etruscans and Greeks. It also addresses the rise of Christianity under Constantine I and Rome's eventual decline due to internal and external challenges. It's recommended to check if YouTube is accessible on school networks if you are planning to use this resource in the classroom.
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tag(s): italy (30), julius caesar (11), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
After watching the video, have students create a visual timeline of Rome's three major periods (Regal, Republican, Imperial). Include key events, rulers, and innovations discussed in the video. Students can use Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or Turbo Timeline Maker, reviewed here to make digital timelines. Assign small groups to research one Roman innovation mentioned in the video (such as aqueducts, roads, or gladiator combat). Have them create a model of their innovation. Have students explore how the Romans were influenced by other civilizations, such as the Etruscans and Greeks, as mentioned in the video. They can create a Venn diagram using Canva, reviewed here to compare Roman art, architecture, or religion with that of the Greeks or Etruscans.An Introduction to Julius Caesar Using Multiple-Perspective Universal Theme Analysis - ReadWriteThink
Grades
6 to 12ReadWriteThink offers a comprehensive lesson plan titled "An Introduction to Julius Caesar Using Multiple-Perspective Universal Theme Analysis." This resource helps students explore...more
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ReadWriteThink offers a comprehensive lesson plan titled "An Introduction to Julius Caesar Using Multiple-Perspective Universal Theme Analysis." This resource helps students explore the play through a thematic lens, emphasizing how power, loyalty, and ambition play out in different characters' perspectives. The lesson guides students to analyze key scenes and speeches, encouraging critical thinking and discussion. It also includes activities such as group work and text analysis to engage students in understanding Shakespeare's themes and their relevance today. The plan is designed to be adaptable for middle and high school classrooms.
tag(s): julius caesar (11), plays (32), themes (16)
In the Classroom
Ask students to write an alternate ending to Julius Caesar from the perspective of one of the characters. Challenge students to draw parallels between Julius Caesar and modern political or historical figures. Assign students different themes from the play (such as ambition, betrayal, or loyalty) and have them create a visual collage representing their theme using a resource such as PhotoCollage, reviewed here. Have students create a comic strip and include scenes that could have happened during Roman times using Make Beliefs Comix, reviewed here. Use Printable Comic Strip Templates, reviewed here for rough drafts or classrooms without computers.The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Summary and Analysis - Storyboard That
Grades
6 to 12This page from Storyboard That provides resources for teaching Julius Caesar in a classroom setting, including customizable lesson plans, pre-made activities, and engaging visuals....more
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This page from Storyboard That provides resources for teaching Julius Caesar in a classroom setting, including customizable lesson plans, pre-made activities, and engaging visuals. Teachers can use storyboards to help students break down complex scenes, explore character motivations, and understand themes. The activities focus on key elements such as plot diagramming, character analysis, and vocabulary building, making it a versatile tool for guiding students through Shakespeare's famous play. Additionally, the platform allows for creative expression by having students create their own visual summaries or alternative endings.
tag(s): julius caesar (11), plot (15), shakespeare (99)
In the Classroom
Have students create storyboards on Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. Students can compare and contrast two characters on their actions, motivations, etc. Using a resource such as Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here create a timeline of Julius Caesar's life events. Create a fictional social media account for one or more of the characters using Fakebook, reviewed here.Julius Caesar - Royal Shakespeare Company
Grades
6 to 12The Royal Shakespeare Company's Julius Caesar learning section offers a wealth of resources for teachers looking to introduce Shakespeare's play to their students. The site includes...more
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The Royal Shakespeare Company's Julius Caesar learning section offers a wealth of resources for teachers looking to introduce Shakespeare's play to their students. The site includes detailed lesson plans, videos, and activities to help students engage with the text, understand key themes, and explore character development. The resources support a deeper comprehension of the play's political and moral dilemmas with interactive tools like scene analysis and relevant background information. Teachers can use these materials to bring the drama of Shakespeare's world to life, making Julius Caesar accessible and relevant to all learners. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): julius caesar (11), plays (32), shakespeare (99)
In the Classroom
Divide the class into groups and assign each a key scene to rehearse and perform for the class. Students can work in groups to create a Roman-era newspaper covering the play's events using a resource such as Smore, reviewed here. Select a few students to embody key characters from the play (Brutus, Cassius, Caesar) to play a game of Character Hot Seat. The rest of the class asks these characters questions about their motives, actions, and emotions. This activity helps students delve deeper into character analysis and understand the complex motivations driving the play's events.Free Resources Julius Caesar - The Practical English Teacher
Grades
6 to 12The Practical English Teacher website provides free resources for teaching Julius Caesar, ideal for middle and high school classrooms. The site offers activities, lesson plans, and...more
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The Practical English Teacher website provides free resources for teaching Julius Caesar, ideal for middle and high school classrooms. The site offers activities, lesson plans, and printable materials designed to engage students with Shakespeare's play. Resources include vocabulary lists, comprehension questions, quizzes, and writing prompts to deepen students' understanding of the text. Additionally, the site provides multimedia options like video clips and performance ideas to make the content more accessible and interactive. These resources help teachers facilitate critical discussions around themes in Julius Caesar.
tag(s): julius caesar (11), readers theater (12), shakespeare (99), writing prompts (61)
In the Classroom
Have students assume the roles of key characters and participate in a mock Senate debate. Students can research contemporary political figures or events that mirror themes in Julius Caesar and present their findings. Assign students to write an alternate ending for the play or a letter from one character to another, encouraging creativity and engagement with the text. Have students create their writings using a digital tool like Sway, reviewed here. Students can create visual artwork that depicts key themes or character relationships, combining literature with visual arts to enhance understanding. Students could use the Canva Infographic Creator, < a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">reviewed hereBeware the Ides of March. But Why? - History.com
Grades
6 to 12This article describes the origination of the phrase Beware the Ides of March and explains its place in Roman History and Pop Culture. Learn what the phrase meant before Julius ...more
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This article describes the origination of the phrase Beware the Ides of March and explains its place in Roman History and Pop Culture. Learn what the phrase meant before Julius Ceasar was killed, and how that event has influenced today's culture.
tag(s): holidays (187), julius caesar (11), romans (52)
In the Classroom
Use this interesting article during your studies of Ancient Rome or when reading Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar. For younger students, create a guided reading activity using Read Ahead, reviewed here, or with older students, have them annotate the article with Kami, reviewed here. During Halloween, you could use this article to discuss superstitions and what superstitions your students know about. Create a Padlet, reviewed here with columns to keep track of good and bad superstitions.Beware the Ides of March - ReadWriteThink
Grades
6 to 12ReadWriteThink presents this lesson to explore the role of superstitions in modern-day life. Historically, March 15 (the Ides of March) has been associated with doom and disaster. Even...more
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ReadWriteThink presents this lesson to explore the role of superstitions in modern-day life. Historically, March 15 (the Ides of March) has been associated with doom and disaster. Even if you are not teaching Julius Ceasar's Rome or Shakespeare's play by the same name, you can engage your students by studying superstitions.
In the Classroom
Introduce this lesson with a brief discussion about what a superstition is and what are some superstitions your students know about. Create a Padlet, reviewed here with columns for categories of superstitions, for example, good and bad luck, walking under a ladder, opening an umbrella indoors, etc. After the discussions, follow the Classroom Activities and explore the Websites area, having students rotate through stations to explore the subject. As a culminating activity, ask students to create a video using Vmaker, reviewed here to share their impressions about superstitions (leave this wide open, whether they believe in them, have they discussed superstitions with anyone outside of class, and so on). Then, ask students to comment on at least two of their classmate's videos using Now Comment, reviewed here. Use the comment process as an opportunity to talk about digital citizenship and empathy.Ides of March: What Is It? Why Do We Still Observe It? - National Geographic
Grades
7 to 12This site provides a very informative article by National Geographic about the history of the Ides of March and why we still recognize it. The article is not only interesting ...more
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This site provides a very informative article by National Geographic about the history of the Ides of March and why we still recognize it. The article is not only interesting but also a good resource for reading informational text per the Common Core Standards.
In the Classroom
After an introduction to the class about superstitions, see Beware the Ides of March, reviewed here, have partners read this article. When sharing articles that contain difficult reading selections, use Read Ahead, reviewed here to transform the text into a Guided Reading activity that includes a focus on keywords and vocabulary found in the text.All Roads Lead to Rome - Engaging with Ancient Rome Through Literature - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12All Roads Lead to Rome - Engaging with Ancient Rome Through Literature is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed...more
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All Roads Lead to Rome - Engaging with Ancient Rome Through Literature is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here. This article begins with a short introduction and includes extensive background knowledge, teaching activities based on literature, and extension ideas for research and presentation projects. Information includes correlation to ISTE and AASL standards.
tag(s): book lists (167), italy (30), julius caesar (11), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site with ideas about learning about Ancient Rome by engaging students through literature. Some books and activities include links to lessons and teachers' guides that provide additional information and classroom support. Use Curipod, reviewed here to quickly create engaging lessons and activities related to your book studies. For example, Curipod can create slides with themes such as lesson hooks; what do you infer? and exit tickets; use any of these options to generate ideas for discussion questions based on the theme of any books shared in this article. Extend learning by asking students to compare a student's life in Ancient Rome to today's students. Use one of Canva's Venn Diagram Creator templates, reviewed here for students to share their findings.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
RealClearHistory - RealClear
Grades
8 to 12RealClearHistory is a history buff's dream. This portion of the RealClear site focuses on history through a variety of different lenses. Begin with the current date in history to access...more
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RealClearHistory is a history buff's dream. This portion of the RealClear site focuses on history through a variety of different lenses. Begin with the current date in history to access articles from many other global resources relating to events on that date or use the dropdown arrow next to the date to go back a few days in time. Then, scroll further down the page to find multimedia, current news, the latest articles, and much more. If that isn't enough, browse the left sidebar to find history tidbits, biographies and memoirs, documents, and the map room. This site will keep history buffs and students engaged for a very long time!
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tag(s): biographies (94), civil war (139), constitution (96), history day (39), politics (118), presidents (135), religions (95), slavery (79), space (222), vikings (10), world war 1 (77), world war 2 (161)
In the Classroom
Make this site available in favorites on your classroom computers for students to refer to for history-related resources. You may want to list this link on your class website for students to access the page both in and out of class. Consider using the site as an icebreaker at the beginning of a class: pick one of the articles or short video clips (share it on your interactive whiteboard or projector) and discuss. After doing research, have cooperative learning groups create podcasts or video commercials highlighting an interesting historical event. Create FREE podcasts using a site such as Spotify for Podcastors, reviewed here. This is also a good resource for reading informational text per the Common Core Standards.Ancient History Encyclopedia - Jan van der Crabben
Grades
6 to 12If you think ancient history is dull and boring, you haven't seen the Ancient History Encyclopedia! Discover the ancient world through engaging text, video, and interactive features....more
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If you think ancient history is dull and boring, you haven't seen the Ancient History Encyclopedia! Discover the ancient world through engaging text, video, and interactive features. Explore the site in many different ways including the index, timeline, maps, and media library. Each portion of the site includes a robust search feature including filters for narrowing down information to desired dates, media formats, and more.
tag(s): aztecs (9), cultures (180), greece (47), japan (57), maps (220), mayans (23), mesopotamia (32), myths and legends (37), religions (95), romans (52), vikings (10)
In the Classroom
Use the Ancient History Encyclopedia as an activator before teaching any unit on ancient times to share the stories of any period instead of just learning dates. Share the period in time with your students and allow them to explore the site to find items of interest to share with others. Replace paper and pen by using an online bulletin board site like Pinside, reviewed here, and have students share their findings. As you move on through your lessons, extend learning by asking students to use an animated map-making tool like eStory, reviewed here, to tell the story of events from their chosen topic. eStory offers tools for using current or historical maps to create an animated path including text and uploads of source materials.A Glimpse of Teenage Life in Ancient Rome - Ray Laurence
Grades
6 to 12What was life like for a teenager in ancient Rome? Watch the clever portrayal of the life of Lucius Popidius Secundus, a seventeen-year-old living in Rome in 73 AD. Packed ...more
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What was life like for a teenager in ancient Rome? Watch the clever portrayal of the life of Lucius Popidius Secundus, a seventeen-year-old living in Rome in 73 AD. Packed full of information about life in ancient Rome, it is hard to believe this video is just short of seven minutes long. Along with the video is a feature called Dig Deeper where you will find explanations and links to more detailed information about ancient Rome. The video is hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then it may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
This video is short and interesting enough to have students watch it on their own either at a classroom learning station or -- if you're into flipping your classroom -- at home. On their own or with a partner, have students answer the 5 multiple choice questions and 3 open answer questions by clicking on the button labeled "Think." Then you might consider having groups of four read the additional information inside Dig Deeper. Assign small groups to investigate the links that go with the information and report out to the class the new knowledge they discover. For a mini project like this consider using a program like Spicynodes. Another project suggestion would be to have small groups of students investigate the ancient Roman life of different social classes and ages. You could have them produce a video like the one produced here by using a program such as CapCut. Latin teachers will also find this video fitting for the cultural portions of their curriculum.World History TimeMap - TimeMaps Ltd
Grades
5 to 12See the history of the world from 3500BC to 2005AD! TimeMaps offers a look at every nation, empire, and civilization as one story using maps. Choose a date or time ...more
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See the history of the world from 3500BC to 2005AD! TimeMaps offers a look at every nation, empire, and civilization as one story using maps. Choose a date or time period to begin exploration. Use pinpoints located on the map to view specific information about that location. Use timelines located under the map to narrow down topics within a time period. For example, at 100 AD choose to view information by Ancient Rome, Mayan Civilization, Medieval India, or Ancient China. This is an excellent site for providing an overview and exploration of world civilizations during any given time period. Choose the "Are You a History Teacher" link to find several suggestions for using TimeMap in your classroom along several different lesson plans.
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tag(s): 1600s (20), 1700s (36), 1800s (75), 1900s (72), 20th century (62), africa (148), asia (116), china (81), egypt (56), europe (84), greeks (46), india (32), israel (14), maps (220), mayans (23), north america (15), romans (52), timelines (56)
In the Classroom
Explore time periods together on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Find the time period you are teaching then explore pins to view more information about different civilizations during that time. Assign students different civilizations to research during a time period using TimeMaps as a starting point. Have students create their own comics to explain a civilization using comic-creation tools from spectopics/comics.cfm.The Romans - BBC
Grades
3 to 6If your curriculum calls for study of other cultures and times or even archaeology, this site makes Roman culture understandable to upper elementary and beginning middle school students....more
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If your curriculum calls for study of other cultures and times or even archaeology, this site makes Roman culture understandable to upper elementary and beginning middle school students. This website, created by the BBC, introduces students to the Romans, the Forum, Caesar, and more. Links and activities include City of Rome and the Roman Empire, Invasion, Rebellion, Religion, The Roman Army, and several others. There are printable pages, online activities, lesson ideas, a glossary, a link for teachers, and an illustrated timeline. Although most of this website isn't interactive, the information and printable pages are very useful in the quest to learn about the Romans.
In the Classroom
Read through all the pages to learn more about this website and the numerous activities available. Use this site on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Print off some of the worksheets for additional extension activities. Teachers of gifted will appreciate this site for students to explore on their own as part of a study of ancient cultures or mythology.Classics Unveiled
Grades
6 to 12Ancient history isn't always approachable, and this site offers great information on Greek mythology and the history and civilization of Rome in a context that both elementary teachers...more
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Ancient history isn't always approachable, and this site offers great information on Greek mythology and the history and civilization of Rome in a context that both elementary teachers and secondary students will find interesting. If you teach Latin, "Salve!" - there are great resources here.
tag(s): greece (47), greek (47), greeks (46), latin (23), romans (52), rome (37)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a way to approach the tons of information students are expected to learn about the Roman empire. Assign students into pairs or cooperative learning groups, and have them choose one of the many topics to research in the "Rome Exposed" section. Have each student group research their topic, with the intent to present their information to the class. Have each group prepare a quick presentation by creating online books using a tool such as Bookemon, reviewed here. Books can be read and presented to the class via interactive whiteboard or projector.Julius Caesar - Study questions - SparkNotes
Grades
9 to 12This link will take you to study questions from SparkNotes for the play Julius Ceasar. Check out the top menu to find Themes, Summaries of each act, Characters, Literary Devices, ...more
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This link will take you to study questions from SparkNotes for the play Julius Ceasar. Check out the top menu to find Themes, Summaries of each act, Characters, Literary Devices, and more.
tag(s): julius caesar (11), shakespeare (99)
In the Classroom
For assistance with the study of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar start with summary of each act, then move on to characters, etc. As a final activity go to this site of thoughtful study questions,Julius Caesar - Full text - Mass. Instit. Technol.
Grades
9 to 12There is no need to buy Shakespeare's play Julius Ceasar, when you can get the full text - from M.I.T.'s Shakespeare archive. ...more
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There is no need to buy Shakespeare's play Julius Ceasar, when you can get the full text - from M.I.T.'s Shakespeare archive.
tag(s): holidays (187), julius caesar (11), shakespeare (99)