William Shakespeare for Kids

Shakespeare in the hands of kids. Is it to be or not to be? Ha. See what we did there? Many kids have a gag reflex when it comes to classical literature, particularly Shakespeare. It’s understandable. The situations can seem foreign. The language is unrelatable. 

Despite the age of Shakespeare’s work—despite its proclivity for concepts that are considered problematic by modern society—it has a lot to offer children. In this article, we talk about how to get them hooked on it. 

Myth: Kids Hate Shakespeare

Most people probably recall their first foray into Shakespeare. The apprehension they felt staring that the thick book in front of them. The dread as they were exposed to the first slew of thous. 

Kids hate Shakespeare. 

Do they? If there was a biological reflex that makes kids gag at the sight of the Bard’s work, he probably wouldn’t hold the position in the literary canon that he does. 

In fact, for hundreds of years, kids have loved Shakespeare, laughing at his irreverent humor, and enjoying the action of his often harrowing fight scenes. 

Here’s the problem: the more time that passes, the less relatable Shakespeare seems. Emphasis on the word seems. In fact, Shakespeare’s plays and poems deal with themes and subjects that continue to have weight many hundreds of years after his death. Universality is one of the hallmarks of great literature, and his work has it in abundance. 

For children who grew up on Dav Pilkey, however, the language barrier can be startling. For the uninitiated, reading Shakespeare is a lot like reading a book that has been written partially in English, with large swaths that are in Spanish. 

Intellect isn’t the issue. No one is born intuitively understanding 15th-century English. Comprehension and exposure are key. 

Introducing Kids to Shakespeare at an Early Age

The parent or educator that wants to get kids hooked on Shakespeare’s work is well-advised to do so early. That doesn’t mean rocking your newborn to sleep with Hamlet. It does mean finding opportunities that are suitable to their reading and comprehension levels. 

For example, many Shakespeare stories have been translated into comic books or other modern mediums. While this isn’t Shakespeare in his true, undiluted form, it can be a good stepping stone, allowing the children to experience the story in a way that makes sense to them.

Exposure is Everything

You don’t learn how to swim competitively by dipping your toes in the water. Similarly, you’ll never get a good grasp of Shakespeare by viewing him from the sidelines with isolated blurbs and excerpts. For kids to really enjoy the Bard’s work, exposure is important. 

Consider taking them to events like Shakespeare in the park. This is a fun way to enjoy a memorable family outing while also getting your kids interested in classical literature at the same time. Short of this, school productions and film adaptations are also valuable forms of exposure. 

While Hollywood has been a mixed bag when it comes to interpreting Shakespeare’s works, there are productions that take his exact scripts and bring them to life on the screen. 

Finding Common Ground

Shakespeare is often framed as literary spinach. Take it, it’s good for you. Kids aren’t naturally drawn to brain food—why should they be when they could be spending their time playing Fortnight instead? 

When Shakespeare is framed as something kids should engage with for their own benefit, it immediately becomes unappealing—like exercise or a chore. 

Instead, frame Shakespeare as something with a direct association to their own lives. Spot themes in the plays and poems that are directly related to experiences the children are having. 

You can also explain the plots. Language barrier notwithstanding, Shakespeare’s plays are filled with concepts that remain exciting to modern audiences. Hamlet is a ghost story that culminates in a blood bath. 

McBeth is a murder story that features witches and sword fights. Romeo and Juliet is a love story that hinges on the path of swords and daggers. 

Emphasize the elements of Shakespeare that your kids are likely to gravitate toward. You’ll quickly find that this is easy to do. 

Acknowledge the Hurdles

You can’t stick Shakespeare in front of a child and pretend that there are no barriers to entry. There are many, both in terms of language and concepts. It is true that much of Shakespeare’s work is told in the universal language of great literature. 

It’s also true that some of it is racist, and that other concepts simply aren’t modern. Measure to Measure tells the story of a man sentenced to die for having premarital intercourse. While the play doesn’t frame this as something that should happen, it remains a concept that will feel foreign to the modern reader. 

And kids are right to question why two basic strangers would rather forsake their families and stab themselves just to be together. Teenagers are melodramatic, sure. But not that melodramatic. 

Get in front of Shakespeare’s more problematic concepts. Your kids will spot them if you don’t. 

Make Your Decision and Stick to It

Introducing Shakespeare to your kids or students is a decision and not one to be taken halfheartedly. Partial measures are DOA. Shakespeare is tough, and getting him into the hands of kids and keeping him there will be too. 

The effort is worth it. Stick to your guns, and keep those kids reading.  

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