Leave it to Shakespeare to capture the back-to-school blues that hit so many of our young friends this time of year: “[…] The whining school-boy, with his satchel and shining morning face, creeping like snail unwillingly to school” (As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII).
Yes, there is some reluctance associated with the first day of school – but over the years at Shakespeare For Our Children, we have lightened the mood by starting the new term with an old friend: Charles and Mary Lamb’s Tales from Shakespeare. Written in 1807 by the brother and sister, and reprinted numerous times since, this beloved work offers what the Lambs call “a few hints and little foretastes of the great pleasure which awaits them” in Shakespeare’s works.
Check out this digitized version of the 1894 edition, volumes I – IV. For younger children, read a tale or two aloud and ask them to illustrate their favorite scene; for older students, prepare a few questions for discussion.