Bravo, Mr. William Shakespeare!
#2 in Marcia Williams’ Classic Tales Series
What’s inside...
The author of Tales from Shakespeare presents the stories of seven Shakespeare plays, including As You Like It, Antony and Cleopatra, The Tragedy of Richard III, Twelfth Night, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, and Much Ado About Nothing. The book includes actual dialogue in the illustrations, summarizes the plots in picture captions, and presents the comments and actions of audience members on the sides and bottom of the pages. This book is a wonderfully accessible introduction to the many pleasures of Shakespeare's plays.
Discussion points
Why do you think Shakespeare's stories are still popular today?
Which character did you find most interesting, and why?
How do the illustrations help you understand the story better?
Can you think of a modern situation that resembles something in the play?
What lessons do you think we can learn from the characters' experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your favorite Shakespeare play and why it resonates with you.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite scene or character, and relate it to their own experiences or feelings.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss specific parts of the story, such as emotions, settings, or actions.
Connect the themes of the play to real-life events or moral dilemmas to help your child see the relevance of the stories.
Ask open-ended questions to allow your child to express their thoughts and interpretations freely.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through Shakespeare's diverse characters and stories, children grasp the feelings and perspectives of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding to better interact and communicate with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: Shakespeare's imaginative plots and rich language demonstrate the power of creativity in storytelling.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in writing and other forms of expression.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: Set in Elizabethan times, the stories provide a glimpse into historical contexts and events, making history accessible and engaging.
Real-World Application: Helps kids understand and appreciate the past, fostering a connection to historical events and cultural heritage.
Example Lesson: Moral Integrity
Explanation: Many of Shakespeare’s tales involve themes of justice, honesty, and doing what’s right.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of personal integrity and the impact of their choices on others.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Characters often face obstacles that they must overcome, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to persist in the face of challenges and think critically about solutions.