Intended to give teachers usable information and prepared materials that are ready-to-reproduce for students, this book compiles research, tips, and teaching ideas into a sourcebook on teaching and producing William Shakespeare's plays in the elementary classroom. It is designed to bring the student into an awareness of Shakespeare's art and language. Following an introduction, chapters deal with: (1) William Shakespeare; (2) Life in Shakespeare's Time; (3) Clothing in Shakespeare's Day; (4) The Theater in Shakespeare's Day; (5) Getting Started: Choosing the Plays and Casting the Characters; (6) Behind the Scenes: Scenery, Costumes, Music, and Lights; and (7) Step by Step: A Time Line for Success. Appendixes include student activity sheets; communications with parents, invitations, programs; and a narration script for Queen Elizabeth, Shakespeare, and Court Jester. Fifteen references are attached. A play packet on "A Midsummer Night's Dream" includes staging suggestions, a story summary, the script, and class activities. (SR)