"Robin Hood" features vivid characters, from the fearless Robin himself to the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. As students read the story, encourage them to delve into the many characters. Discuss the character traits of Robin Hood's friend Little John and make a list of his defining characteristics. Ask students to work in groups to find out more about a specific character or to compare two characters in the story, and then share their findings with the class.
Get your students out of their seats to experience the action of "Robin Hood" and bring crucial scenes to life with a play. Write out a script based on dialogue from the book you are reading, or use a movie or play script instead. Bring in old clothes and makeup so that students can transform themselves into the characters.
As students read the "Robin Hood" story, help them delve into the tale by immersing them in the setting of Medieval England. Show students pictures of clothing that might have been worn by characters in the story. Show students pictures and videos of castles in England, and point out characteristics of the castle, such as the thick outer walls and the moat. Ask students to research foods that were commonly eaten during the time period as well.
Encourage students to use their critical thinking skills by comparing the story of Robin Hood that they read in class with other versions of the tale. Take students to see a stage production of "Robin Hood," or show a taped stage production in the classroom. In addition, show students the Disney cartoon "Robin Hood." After viewing, ask students to discuss how elements such as plot, setting and characterization differ in each version. Divide the class into groups and have each group create a poster outlining the differences in one story element across the movie versions, and present their poster to the class.