Encouraging Kids To Read Classical Literature

William Shakespeare

by Steve Sowder

In these days of video games and smartphones, today's youths often have no interest in reading classical literature.

They believe that if they need to know it for school or for a project, the literary piece will be available on their tablet computer or made into a movie.

However, children may not realize the experience that can be had when they read a piece by Shakespeare. They need to be convinced that the effort and time put into reading one of his plays is worthwhile.

It used to be that any student worth his or her mettle welcomed the opportunity to read most, if not all, of Shakespeare's Portfolio. Knowing the characters and passages of some of his greatest plays came in handy when this pupil took college preparatory tests or began his or her college studies.

Now, however, many children find that reading this playwright's work is too tedious and boring. They may balk at the complicated language and awkward wording. Young audiences believe that these plays are not relevant to their lives and have nothing to offer.

However, modern youths often fail to understand that the themes in this playwright's works are just as scandalous and controversial as they were when they were first written. Children do not make this discovery because they are reluctant to read and decipher the passages. With the proper guidance and prompting, however, kids today may find out that this author still has relevance.

The first thing many teachers do when they guide kids through such a reading is make the language more relatable. A child might not realize that words like hath and doth are variants of the modern words has and does. Deciphering these words and revealing their relationships to modern language helps pupils better understand what they are reading.

Teachers also translate words that are no longer commonly used in today's English language. Words like folly, nonny, and fro can be difficult for some kids to understand. Educators can make the process easier by translating these words and telling children how they apply to the passage and storyline.

With guidance and effort, children might find reading this playwright's works worthwhile. People have the challenge of making Shakespeare for students something that can be enjoyed in class and relevant to their future studies.

These efforts can be made simpler by translating words and phrases for pupils. Once they understand the language of that time, young readers may realize that the plots are entertaining.

You can find entertaining options in Shakespeare for students by viewing our web pages. Check out the links at http://www.shaketv.org to sign our guest book and learn more about our mission.

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