What are the advantages of kids learning about Shakespeare in this day and age.

You might ask yourself the opposite question: What if students today DIDN'T read Shakespeare's works or learn anything about them?

http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/

http://absoluteshakespeare.com/index.htm

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/

http://www.shakespeare.com/

http://shakespeare.mit.edu/works.html

Not reading Shakespeare would be like:

*eating a pizza with no seasonings or cheese
*having a computer but no internet access
*listening to only one type of music
*never traveling more than 10 miles from home
*watching only sitcoms on TV

Reading Shakespeare enriches our lives.

The advantages of kids learning about Shakespeare in this day and age are numerous. Shakespeare's works continue to be studied and appreciated for several reasons:

1. Cultural and Historical Significance: Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history. His works provide insights into the cultural, social, and political realities of the Elizabethan era, offering a window into a different time period and fostering an understanding of history.

To learn about Shakespeare, one can start by exploring his plays, such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. These plays reflect the society and values of Shakespeare's time, enabling students to explore themes like love, betrayal, power, and identity.

2. Language and Vocabulary Enrichment: Shakespeare's language is renowned for its poetic beauty and complexity. Studying his works exposes children to a rich variety of language and vocabulary, expanding their literary and linguistic skills. The unique syntax, wordplay, and poetic devices in Shakespeare's texts challenge students to analyze and interpret language in new ways, enhancing their critical thinking abilities.

To familiarize oneself with Shakespeare's language, it is advisable to read annotated versions of his plays or watch performances with English subtitles. Online resources, such as SparkNotes or No Fear Shakespeare, can also provide helpful translations.

3. Literary Appreciation and Interpretation: Shakespeare's plays encompass a wide range of genres, including tragedy, comedy, romance, and history. By exploring these diverse genres, students can develop a broader understanding and appreciation of different forms of literature. They also learn to analyze themes, characters, and plot developments, honing their literary analysis skills.

To explore the nuances of Shakespeare's plays, students can engage in close reading, discuss and debate interpretations with peers, or analyze contemporary adaptations of his works.

4. Universal Themes and Relevance: Despite being written centuries ago, Shakespeare's works explore timeless and universal themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. His plays tackle topics such as love, power, ambition, jealousy, and human nature, giving students a deeper understanding of the human condition.

To explore the relevance of Shakespeare's works, students can reflect on how the themes and characters relate to their own lives and contemporary society. They can also compare Shakespeare's plays to modern adaptations or explore how his ideas have influenced other literature, films, or theater productions.

In conclusion, learning about Shakespeare offers many advantages for kids in this day and age. It enriches their understanding of culture and history, improves their language skills, fosters literary appreciation and interpretation, and explores timeless themes relevant to their own lives. To fully benefit from studying Shakespeare, it is important to engage actively with his plays through reading, discussion, analysis, and connecting his works to today's world.