AJC.com > Blogs > Get Schooled > Archives > 2008 > March > 12
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Shakespeare for 4-year-olds?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When I was 4 my favorite books were poems and stories by Shel Silverstein and anything involving Curious George. Turns out I should have been reading Shakespeare instead.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has suggested 4-year-olds learn The Bard. The group’s directors recently made statements in The Guardian of London saying young kids are fearless and open to new words. While Shakespeare’s works intimidate many adults and teens, the company’s directors say young kids don’t have that problem because they’ve never heard of Shakespeare.
We’ve all heard educators buzzing that young brains are like sponges, waiting to soak up any information thrown their way. As a result, schools expect young children to know more and more every year.
Do you think young children could handle Shakespeare? How much is too much for these students?
