How do you introduce students to Shakespeare? Can you easily include Shakespeare in your homeschool curriculum? Really? Shakespeare for kids? Surely that’s a crazy idea!
Let me reassure you: exploring Shakespeare with your children can be fun and easy!
Don’t believe me? Watch my free “Getting Started with Shakespeare” workshop, explore the resources I’ve rounded up, and then just start enjoying Shakespeare’s masterpieces with your kids of all ages.
Experiencing the wit and beauty of Shakespeare (whether in reading, reciting, or memorizing) is one of my favorite things to do with my children in our homeschool. I hope this post encourages you to incorporate some Shakespearean delight in your own home!
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How to teach Shakespeare in your homeschool
My philosophy of how to teach Shakespeare in our homeschool (to a wide range of ages) includes 3 simple steps, as explained in my free “Getting Started With Shakespeare” workshop:
- Read a well-crafted children’s story version of the Shakespeare play. Our favorite is Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb; you’re never too old to start with an excellent children’s version! (Head here to find these and other of our favorite Shakespeare resources. This list of Shakespeare books for kids is also a great place to start.)
- Watch excellent clips or full theatrical versions of the play (curated clips are usually the way to go if you have little kids, but can even be a good option for teens.).
- Recite/memorize a few key passages and a handful of famous quotes from your Shakespeare play of choice.
I also had the privilege of chatting with Lara on the Cultivating Grace podcast about how to love Shakespeare so your kids will, too!
Gentle Introductions to Shakespeare for Kids
- Tales from Shakespeare, Charles and Mary Lamb
- How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare, Ken Ludwig (check out his interview on the Your Morning Basket Podcast.)
Watching and Listening to Shakespeare
- Comedy of Errors (Arkangel) with David Tennant as Antipholus of Syracuse
- Other Arkangel Shakespeare Audio Dramas
- Folger Shakespeare Audio Dramas
- Shakespeare Live at the RSC
- Year of Memory Work videos and printables: “St. Crispin’s Day” (Henry V), “Quality of Mercy” (Merchant of Venice), and Sonnet 116
Be sure to check out all my Comparative Shakespeare Clips Playlists on YouTube:
Much Ado About Nothing Playlist
Shylock {Merchant of Venice} Playlist
To Be or Not To Be {Hamlet} Playlist
Julius Caesar Playlist
Playing with Shakespeare
A few other Shakespeare resources
- Is Shakespeare too hard? Or are we too dumb?
- A few phrases coined by Shakespeare
- A few words coined by Shakespeare
- Music inspired by Shakespeare
- Round-Up of Shakespeare-themed Games and Activities for kids
- Shakespeare is a regular part of our morning time, which you can learn more about here
- Reading Journals for older students and younger students
- Year of Memory Work
What is your favorite Shakespeare play?
Join the conversation on Facebook or Instagram and tell me some of your favorite Shakespeare passages. And don’t forget to sign up for my email list for subscriber exclusives!
