There are many ways to assist your child at home as we begin preparations for your child’s annual class play.
Rule number 1: Let it be a fun experience!
Rule number 2: Slow and clear articulation is crucial.
Rule number 3: Repetition makes perfect.
Rule number 4: Remember this is a team effort because every part is important!
Here are some tips for your adventures with Shakespeare this year:
- Hand-write or print out memory cards to assist with memorising
- Record the lines as an audio file and play these repeatedly in the car and at home for your child to recite along with.
- Get a copy of Ken Ludwig’s book How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare, which has excellent tips for memorising:
Amazon.com: How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare: 9780307951502: Ludwig, Ken: Books
How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare, eBook by Ken Ludwig | 9780307951519 | Booktopia (E-book version of the same book)
- Explore interactive resources online with your child to learn more about the play: https://www.rsc.org.uk/shakespeare-learning-zone/
- Watch a short version of your child’s class play online:
[Shakespeare: The Animated Tales] Hamlet (youtube.com)
Animated Synopsis of Love’s Labour’s Won (Much Ado About Nothing) | Royal Shakespeare Company (youtube.com)
[Shakespeare: The Animated Tales] Macbeth (youtube.com)
Shakespeare – The Animated Tales – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – video Dailymotion
- Explore Shakespeare’s stories through art and craft activities at home: Craft Activities | Royal Shakespeare Company (rsc.org.uk)
Kids’ Zone (shakespeareweek.org.uk)
- Enjoy a Shakespeare story before bedtime and get to know the characters better:
Usborne Illustrated Stories from Shakespeare by Various | 9781409522232 | Booktopia
Shakespeare’s Tales Retold for Children: 16-Book Box Set : Newman, Sam, Rowland, Ceej: Amazon.com.au: Books
- For Parents only:
Access full length plays from Shakespeare’s Globe in London, via the Drama Online Library:
URL: https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com/ [Login button top right-hand corner]
Username: JOHNCOLETDRAMA Password: BELROSE
Have fun with Shakespeare!
Claire Lilla
Drama Teacher and JCS Shakespeare Festival Director
