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ploominator's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
So first thing's first, when he says that he wants to teach your children Shakespeare, it's primarily how to memorize passages. Which isn't a bad thing, though I did come into this expecting more of a multi-disciplinary look that taught Shakespeare from stage to film to philosophy. However, Ludwig takes on a lot more than I expected, too! He explains iambic pentameter, tricks on how to memorize passages (something that would have been helpful when I accidentally took an acting class...), and how to understand the true inherent quality and beauty in Shakespeare's words. He also offers a few history lessons so that we and our children can better understand the context from which he writes.
His selections of passages and plays were largely appropriate, though I was hoping for some more gruesome scenes for older children...but his children are quite young, so what can I say! With him, we learn passages from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hamlet, the Henrys, and Much Ado About Nothing. We have comedy, history, and tragedy in one book. And with that comes a lot of explaining.
And he explains it all very well! From his photographs to his font choices to the size of his typography, it's all very clearly laid out, and is certainly a product of his research, experience, and dedication. If I had children, I'd definitely use this book to help me teach them Shakespeare!
Review cross-listed here!
His selections of passages and plays were largely appropriate, though I was hoping for some more gruesome scenes for older children...but his children are quite young, so what can I say! With him, we learn passages from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hamlet, the Henrys, and Much Ado About Nothing. We have comedy, history, and tragedy in one book. And with that comes a lot of explaining.
And he explains it all very well! From his photographs to his font choices to the size of his typography, it's all very clearly laid out, and is certainly a product of his research, experience, and dedication. If I had children, I'd definitely use this book to help me teach them Shakespeare!
Review cross-listed here!
enolas's review against another edition
5.0
Really useful - I'll be returning to this one in the future as we're currently focused more on scripture memory, but looking to include more Shakespeare in a year or so.
olicooper's review against another edition
3.0
I won this through a Goodreads Giveaway. I am not sure what I was expecting, but it sure was not actual tips to teach your kids Shakespeare. This book covers various memorization techniques and a few tricks and games to help learn some of the more famous passages and soliloquies.
After the first few chapters, assuming you or your kiddos have the idea, the focus shifts more toward interpreting and understanding Shakespeare. These are he sections I most enjoyed, seeing as I am years now apart from the many Shakespeare classes and have no children to teach memorization tricks. It was like mini, simple Shakespeare lessons--covering comedies, histories, and tragedies.
This book has inspired me to dust off the old Riverside and spend some quality time with Will.
After the first few chapters, assuming you or your kiddos have the idea, the focus shifts more toward interpreting and understanding Shakespeare. These are he sections I most enjoyed, seeing as I am years now apart from the many Shakespeare classes and have no children to teach memorization tricks. It was like mini, simple Shakespeare lessons--covering comedies, histories, and tragedies.
This book has inspired me to dust off the old Riverside and spend some quality time with Will.
jolantheerb's review against another edition
5.0
Fabulous resource for parents or teachers on Shakespeare. It's more than just memorizing key passages from Shakespeare's works (although highly encouraged and recommended), but includes wonderful insight into his life and also works. You will honestly feel prepared to sit down with your kids or a class and openly discuss together.
I've taught a high school lit class where we cover several of his works and always attend a play together, and this book is one I'll be using as a reference for the works we study as well as the play we attend.
I've taught a high school lit class where we cover several of his works and always attend a play together, and this book is one I'll be using as a reference for the works we study as well as the play we attend.
gjmaupin's review against another edition
3.0
Respectable purposes, though he lapsed into some sloppy old saws that happen to not be true. Still, for home use, not bad.
spinningwheeler's review against another edition
3.0
Some really great ideas from a man who is intensely passionate about Shakespeare's works. At some point this might be a useful reference for my kids. There is a heavy emphasis on memorization, however, some of the passages chosen are not really suitable for young children. In time, it will be a great resource, but for now, we are just going to enjoy simpler versions of the plays.
readingwithreagan's review against another edition
4.0
Illuminating and fun while also being easy to read.
annebennett1957's review against another edition
5.0
I thought I loved Shakespeare before reading this book but now I really love him. If my girls were young I would definitely do the activities in the book to introduce them to The Bard. Reading this book felt like a long drink of cold water on a hot day---vital and important, yet refreshing.
awishman's review against another edition
4.0
I learned a lot about Shakespeare from this book...it could be titled "How to Teach Yourself Shakespeare." The explanations of the language were very enlightening.