2nd July 2012 12:16
By Blue Tutors
Shakespeare for 3 year-olds!
Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But when you listen to what those who are proposing it have to say, it seems to make much more sense.
People are often rather aloof about Shakespeare and to them perhaps the idea of Shakespeare for 3 year olds is simply ridiculous. But why shouldn’t some of his plays be adapted for use in earlier learning environments? The stories are intriguing and often teach about morals concerning good or bad behaviour and its consequences.
The words shouldn’t be a problem either. Children are surrounded and used to hearing words they don’t quite understand and are fast at picking up potential meanings of such words. A lack of understanding doesn’t impinge on their enjoyment.
Shakespeare’s language is rhythmical, musical even on occasion and it’s these attributes that teachers are being trained to bring to the lives of our youngest learners. Using Shakespeare’s most musical play, ‘The Tempest’, teachers are being taught how to engage the interest of children through the magical character of Ariel, a sprite who performs at Prospero’s bidding.
Using sound, dance and music the words of Shakespeare will be brought to younger ears than ever before and I must say, I think it’s a great idea!