I have long been intimidated by Shakespeare…thank you ninth grade English class. And the thought of teaching Shakespeare was even more intimidating. How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare took the fear out of the process. From the very first chapter, we were easily reciting lines from Shakespeare. But more than reciting lines from Shakespeare, my children also had a mini vocabulary lesson. The author states, “It’s important when you learn Shakespeare that you understand every word you’re reading or memorizing.” So for my younger children, we discussed a “bank” is not only a place that keeps your money safe, but also a mound of grass on the side of a stream or river.
You may understand and even agree with the value of memorization as part of the learning process, but why Shakespeare? Again from the author, “Being fluent in Shakespeare from an early age imparts one last advantage that has significance all its own: It gives my children self confidence.” Removing some of the fear from Shakespeare enables our children to tackle a weighty and worthy resource of knowledge and make it their own. There is some sort of awe inspired when one mentions and then recites what so many deem to be an author only for the older and well educated.
I appreciate Sarah at Amongst Lovely Things for not only bringing How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare to my attention–otherwise I honestly would have just ignored the book thinking it not for the everyday homeschooling mom; but she also had a fantastic podcast with the author, Ken Ludwig. Sarah is a great resource if you desire to start a reading and or read aloud revolution in your home. She shares great books, a must, but she puts her heart into also sharing even more information through her podcasts.
I received this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. A program that pairs great books with bloggers for review. My opinions are my own thank you very much.
Nathana Clay says
Thank you for sharing such an awesome resource! We are a few years away from homeschooling (our first daughter is due in April), but I am already collecting resources and books. I definitely plan on embracing reading aloud as a family. 🙂 I also love Shakespeare. My cousin bought us a cute wall handing with a Shakespeare quote for our nursery: “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”
I am loving the educational and faith-building resources on your blog! We are not Catholic, but I love the devoutness and your ideas for building faith in the home. God bless!
Jenny says
Reading aloud is so important. I once had a speech therapist tell me one of her greatest regrets was that she quit reading to her children when they started reading on their own.
Erica Saint says
Thanks for reminding me that I need this book! 🙂