How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare

This is a knowledge-rich curriculum that systematically builds cultural literacy and literary knowledge through Shakespeare's works.

Children learn about Shakespeare's stories, key characters, imagery, literary techniques, themes, and his influence on literature, plus Shakespeare-related historical figures

The curriculum uses appropriately complex texts for the target age group, with Shakespeare representing high literary complexity.

Shakespeare's works represent complex, grade-appropriate literature for grades 5-12, with careful progression from shorter to longer passages

The curriculum emphasizes frequent practice and memorization, which naturally incorporates retrieval practice principles.

Students practice lines frequently until thoroughly memorized, and the memorization approach requires repeated recall of passages

The curriculum includes vocabulary development through understanding Shakespeare's language and phrases as students memorize passages.

Students must understand the meaning of words and phrases as they memorize, and the book includes famous epigrams and Shakespearean expressions

Writing instruction is not a focus, though the curriculum aims to help students use Shakespearean passages in essays.

One goal mentioned is to equip children with the ability to use Shakespearean passages in essays, but no structured writing instruction is described

The curriculum focuses primarily on excerpts rather than complete works, though it covers passages from nine different Shakespeare plays.

The author presents 27 carefully selected passages from various works, starting with short passages and gradually expanding length

The curriculum includes explanatory sections and guidance for parents but lacks comprehensive teacher training materials.

Some sections provide instructions for parents to absorb and apply, and explanatory text helps parents understand the approach

The curriculum provides structured guidance for parents but relies heavily on memorization rather than explicit instructional techniques.

The method involves introducing passages in small snippets with parent guidance, and explanatory text provides instructions for parents to absorb and apply

No phonics instruction is included as this curriculum targets grades 5-12, beyond the typical phonics age range.

The curriculum is designed for grades 5-12 and focuses on Shakespeare memorization rather than foundational reading skills