Introduction
Shakespeare’s works have suffered a bad rep among students and teachers alike, often associated with complex language, old-fashioned themes, and just general ennui. But as an educator, it’s your job to bring life to the Bard’s timeless masterpieces. So, how can you make studying Shakespeare not only bearable but enjoyable for your students?
1. Start With Context
Before delving into the text, give students some context about the time Shakespeare was writing in and his influence as a playwright. Discuss how the audience of his time interacted with his plays and the reasons behind why his works endure to this day.
2. Choose The Right Play
Not every Shakespeare play may appeal to all students. Start with a more accessible play like “Romeo and Juliet” or “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” that features clear storylines, relatable characters, and themes that are still prevalent in today’s society.
3. Unpack The Language
One big hurdle is comprehension of Shakespearean language. For newbies, it can feel like learning another language. Spend some time breaking down passages into smaller sections and modern-day phrases. There are resources available like No Fear Shakespeare that provide side-by-side translations, which can be helpful as supplements when teaching.
4. Embrace Performance
Shakespeare’s plays were always meant to be seen and heard – not read off of a page! Act out scenes in class or have students perform their favorite passages to help develop a deeper understanding of emotion and character motivations.
5. Analysis Through Discussion
Instead of assigning technical essays or exams right off the bat, allow students to get comfortable with discussing themes and characters from the play through group discussions and debates. This will enable them to engage with the material without feeling overwhelmed by complex analysis.
6. Encourage Creativity
Creative projects provide a unique way for students to connect with Shakespeare’s works. Have your students write their own sonnets, design costumes or sets for a play, or create a modern adaptation of their favorite scene.
7. Show Film Adaptations
Many of Shakespeare’s plays have been adapted into films that stay faithful to the original text while making it more visually accessible to modern viewers. Watching a well-made film adaptation can work wonders for the comprehension of characters, plotlines, and emotions.
8. Relate To Contemporary Culture
Find ways to make connections between Shakespeare’s works and current pop culture, e.g., compare characters from “Macbeth” to those on “Breaking Bad” or discuss the use of music in “Twelfth Night” versus a modern musical. Drawing contemporary parallels will make Shakespeare feel more relevant and accessible.
Conclusion:
Teaching Shakespeare doesn’t have to be a dreaded task – with the right approach and resources at your disposal, you can make the Bard’s works engaging and enjoyable for your students. Remember to focus on performance, encouraging creativity, and making connections to modern culture. If you do that, your students may very well walk away with a newfound appreciation for Shakespeare they never thought they’d have!
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Shakespeare’s works have suffered a bad rep among students and teachers alike, often associated with complex language, old-fashioned themes, and just general ennui. But as an educator, it’s your job to bring life to the Bard’s timeless masterpieces. So, how can you make studying Shakespeare not only bearable but enjoyable for your students?
1. Start With Context
Before delving into the text, give students some context about the time Shakespeare was writing in and his influence as a playwright. Discuss how the audience of his time interacted with his plays and the reasons behind why his works endure to this day.
2. Choose The Right Play
Not every Shakespeare play may appeal to all students. Start with a more accessible play like “Romeo and Juliet” or “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” that features clear storylines, relatable characters, and themes that are still prevalent in today’s society.
3. Unpack The Language
One big hurdle is comprehension of Shakespearean language. For newbies, it can feel like learning another language. Spend some time breaking down passages into smaller sections and modern-day phrases. There are resources available like No Fear Shakespeare that provide side-by-side translations, which can be helpful as supplements when teaching.
4. Embrace Performance
Shakespeare’s plays were always meant to be seen and heard – not read off of a page! Act out scenes in class or have students perform their favorite passages to help develop a deeper understanding of emotion and character motivations.
5. Analysis Through Discussion
Instead of assigning technical essays or exams right off the bat, allow students to get comfortable with discussing themes and characters from the play through group discussions and debates. This will enable them to engage with the material without feeling overwhelmed by complex analysis.
6. Encourage Creativity
Creative projects provide a unique way for students to connect with Shakespeare’s works. Have your students write their own sonnets, design costumes or sets for a play, or create a modern adaptation of their favorite scene.
7. Show Film Adaptations
Many of Shakespeare’s plays have been adapted into films that stay faithful to the original text while making it more visually accessible to modern viewers. Watching a well-made film adaptation can work wonders for the comprehension of characters, plotlines, and emotions.
8. Relate To Contemporary Culture
Find ways to make connections between Shakespeare’s works and current pop culture, e.g., compare characters from “Macbeth” to those on “Breaking Bad” or discuss the use of music in “Twelfth Night” versus a modern musical. Drawing contemporary parallels will make Shakespeare feel more relevant and accessible.
Conclusion:
Teaching Shakespeare doesn’t have to be a dreaded task – with the right approach and resources at your disposal, you can make the Bard’s works engaging and enjoyable for your students. Remember to focus on performance, encouraging creativity, and making connections to modern culture. If you do that, your students may very well walk away with a newfound appreciation for Shakespeare they never thought they’d have!
The post appeared first on .