William Shakespeare is one of the most renowned playwrights throughout the history of British literature. Shakespeare wrote in a way that was unlike any other author, writing 37 plays, 5 poems, and 154 verses. Shakespeare is easy to understand and master, even though it may seem hard for young students. Shakespeare mastery comes with a host of skills that can apply to any subject, be it mathematics or history.
This article does not represent the first. Researchers, scientists, teachers, and scholars are all in favor of Shakespeare being kept in schools. The argument to keep Shakespeare from schools is that his material is too mature, complex, or irrelevant. However, the arguments to keep Shakespeare in schools are supported by scholars who conduct studies to establish the importance of Shakespeare’s works.
University of Liverpool has conducted research that shows Shakespeare’s language can have a positive impact on the brain. Research by the Ohio State University Wexner Health Center supports the positive effects Shakespeare’s plays have on children with autism. Royal Shakespeare Company, a theatre company based at Stratford-upon-Avon carried out research about Shakespeare’s worth for all students. Shakespeare’s work must be included in public education due to its unique language, relatability of characters and interdisciplinal applications.
For KS2 Shakespeare workshops visit Sky Blue Theatre.
Identifying with characters
While some works might not appeal to everyone, there are certain characters in every play that could be of interest to everyone. This connection to characters keeps readers coming back time and again, as well the complex language, consistent subplots, and the intrigue and wonder that he has created in his tragedies.
Shakespeare is an intelligent writer. He makes sure that both nobles as well as common people are included in his plays. Although the plays were originally written for the royals and their families, it is more common to include nobles in order to make them more relatable for modern audiences.
Queen Elizabeth was the ruler of England during Shakespeare’s writing period. Elizabeth had an influence on many of Shakespeare’s characters, including Titania (in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) and Viola (in “Twelfth Night”). Elizabeth’s love for Shakespeare’s plays fueled his popularity. Other writers were inspired by his works and were able to incorporate his ideas into other pieces. Some believe Shakespeare wasn’t really Shakespeare. This is a story for another time.
Shakespeare was born in poverty to the son of a shoemaker. His mother was a previous noble woman. His childhood influences the inclusion common people in Shakespeare’s plays. He included mechanicals Bottom and Quince in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern “Hamlet.” Students will be able to identify the funny antics of the mechanics and the fear of Hamlet’s trusted friends and can relate to those feelings. The text becomes more important to students when they can relate to certain characters. Shakespeare’s inclusions diverse people assures that.
The brain needs to work harder
Shakespeare’s language was complex. Shakespeare created over 7,000 new words in his works. So it is no surprise that Shakespeare’s writing is hard to read. Shakespeare’s writing is appealing to readers. Students should read his works because of what he did with them.
Researchers from Liverpool University claim that Shakespeare “uses functional shift,” a linguistic technique where one element of grammar can be intentionally altered. Shakespeare often used functional shifting, especially when using nouns with verbs. “A sudden peak in brain activation occurs when the brain detects this and [it] forces it to work backwards so that the brain can fully understand Shakespeare’s words.” (See sidebar, study reference.)
Shakespeare’s language is challenging for readers because it requires them to improve their skills to understand what the text is saying. These skills are critical to becoming an excellent analyzer in English as well as science, history, and math. It can help adolescents in difficult situations, such as those teenagers find themselves in, by helping them to communicate with their peers. Students are able to use their language skills in social interaction when peers use sarcasm, metaphors, or both without realizing.
Shakespeare as art therapy
Shakespeare may be considered literature, but his art is first and foremost an artistic creation. Shakespeare can play an important role in art therapies for children. Royal Shakespeare Company conducted a study that examined how Shakespeare affects young people of all ages. The students engaged in “rehearsal room methods” to study Shakespeare. This involved acting out and working through Shakespeare’s plays as actors, or as Shakespeare might put it, players. The studies revealed a range results, ranging from an improvement in test scores to a positive change of behavior. (See sidebar, study reference.
Ohio State University carried out a study on students with autism spectrum disorder. This included rhythm-based language and gestures used to understand Shakespeare’s writings. The class helped students develop essential skills, such as facial emotion identification, eye contact, affective imitation, gross motor imitation, and pragmatics of dialog exchange. These skills had improved in the ten-week period. Shakespeare exudes joy in students, and encourages all ages of children to excel academically. (See sidebar.
Shakespeare is vital to daily life. Shakespeare is relatable not only to readers but also improves brain function as well as test scores and social skills. Students have the best chance of gaining the most benefits from Shakespeare programs if they are taught in schools.
Teachers want their students’ success. Every opportunity to help students improve their skills and train them is worth it. English teachers can help students achieve strong and healthy minds by teaching Shakespeare.
