Shakespeare used plants and flowers to symbolize many things in his stories and plays. Plan an activity around the various flowers mentioned in Shakespeare's work by having each student choose a flower, plant or herb mentioned in any story and grow it in a small pot. Once the gardens have grown in, students will explain which story it was from, how it was grown and what it symbolized in the story.
Following the story of Romeo and Juliet, plan an activity that involves student and parent cooperation. Print out a survey for both students and parents that asks questions about potential mates. Ask the parents what traits they would like to see in their child's future partner or spouse, and give the same survey to the students. Once both surveys have been filled out, students will compare the traits they chose to the traits their parents chose.
Following a lesson on Shakespeare's life, such as a reading of his biography, have your students do an arts and crafts project with his life. Separate students into small groups, and have each group review his biography and come up with a timeline of what they believe to be important events in his life. They will then put this timeline on a piece of poster board with pictures and images of him and the events in the timeline.
Another activity involving the students' creativity is to make any piece of artwork from Shakespeare's stories. They may choose a scene, character or piece of symbolism for the work of art. Students may create drawings, paintings, charcoal or watercolor artwork, as well as other art styles such as pottery or clay models.