William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Classics Retold by Barbara Kindermann Series
What’s inside...
Barbara Kindermann's expert retelling of Romeo and Juliet turns one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays into a fairy-tale for children. Weaving actual lines from Shakespeare's play into a narrative text serves as a wonderful introduction to this timeless tale.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Romeo and Juliet kept their love a secret from their families?
What could have happened if they had chosen to confide in their parents?
How do the actions of the characters show the impact of family expectations and societal norms?
How does the setting of Verona influence the story?
In what ways do the choices of Romeo and Juliet affect those around them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to explore the characters' emotions and decisions deeper. This helps in developing empathy and understanding perspectives.
Discuss the historical and cultural context of the story to help your child understand the different societal norms and how they influence personal choices.
Connect the themes of the book with real-life scenarios to make the discussion more relatable and meaningful for your child.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on how the story could have ended differently, fostering creative thinking.
Highlight the importance of communication and honesty in relationships, using examples from the book to illustrate these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: Romeo and Juliet's tragic ending largely stems from miscommunication and lack of open dialogue between the characters.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of expressing their feelings and thoughts openly to avoid misunderstandings with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Consequences of impulsive actions
Explanation: The impulsive decisions made by Romeo and Juliet, such as their quick marriage and drastic responses to problems, lead to dire consequences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think carefully and seek advice before making significant decisions.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts peacefully
Explanation: The feud between the Montagues and Capulets showcases how long-standing conflicts can result in sadness and loss for both parties involved.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of resolving disputes through discussion and forgiveness, rather than anger and vengeance.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Romeo and Juliet's love story helps them see past their families' differences, which otherwise cloud their judgment.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children the importance of empathy and considering multiple perspectives to foster peaceful and inclusive environments.
Example Lesson: The tragic impact of societal expectations
Explanation: The pressure from their families and society to conform to certain norms and hatred leads Romeo and Juliet to make drastic choices.
Real-World Application: Children understand how societal pressures can influence individuals negatively and the importance of forging one’s path based on personal values and beliefs.