Looking For Something Unique and Interesting? Shakespeare Busts     Talk to Cass Foster, the creator of The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series. Let him know what you like about the series and any suggestions you have to improve the format. He will respond to your comments (through e-mail only) but it could take as long as two months. This site was awarded the Highly Recommended rating for educational usefulness by schoolzone!

Shakespeare for Children: The Story of Romeo and Juliet by Cass Foster Published by Five Star Publications, Inc. Highly condensed, fully illustrated version of the world's greatest and most tragic love story. Author supplies thought-provoking discussion questions that allows you to explore this tale from any age or perspective. Use the same discussion questions to help you explore the other plays from a similar perspective. Nominated for the Benjamin Franklin Children's Storybook Award and selected by a panel of children for Ladies Home Journal as one of "The Best Toys for under $10." Shakespeare for Children: The Story of Romeo and Juliet Paper, $14.95 [ISBN: 09619853-3-X] ORDER NOW from Barnes and Noble. What Others Are Saying While I tend to avoid abridged versions of the classics, I am happy to report that this is an excellent adaptation of a famous Shakespeare play aimed at elementary-aged children (or younger!) and their parents. Large print for easy reading and pictures of scenes on most of the facing pages help to make this famous work accessible to younger readers. The illustrations are carefully drawn, showing details of period costume, while retaining the charming simplicity of coloring pages. Although this is an "edited" version, it is by no means "dumbed-down" or modernized. The author has taken pains to preserve the beauty and poetry of the Bard's original language. Simple, but clear, prose descriptions explain the action taking place in each scene and unusual word usage is explained in footnotes. This book could be used in several ways: the parent reads to the child or the child reads the book, different family members take on parts and act out the play, or small children color the pictures while hearing the story. Discussion questions at the end of the book are designed to explore the themes in this work that transcend time and place and help make the play relevant to a modern child's life and times. Altogether this is an excellent introduction to Shakespeare and a spring-board to further study. Jean Hall Eclectic Homeschool Online "I was a frustrated director until I met The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare. Here was everything I needed: the plot of Romeo and Juliet cut down to a manageable size, production suggestions, blocking notes, set of sound requirements, property lists, detailed stage directions and even the definitions of some of Shakespeare's more obscure words and phrases. I never would have attempted directing a group of homeschoolers, ages 7-14, a Shakespearean production without this marvelous book. And I would have deprived them of an extremely rewarding experience: they worked very hard and the production was highly praised by the community. Not only that, but I am certain that most harbor a distinct affection for the works of Mr. Shakespeare. What more could a homeschool mother and Shakespearian enthusiast desire? Thank you Five Star Publications for providing my children with a never-to-be-forgotten educational memory that was a whole lot of fun!" Sincerely, Susan Zelie, Homeschool Educator "Recommended for use with fourth-grade and up (though it can be used with younger students…While the authors recommend using this resource in conjunction with Five Star Publications' Sixty Minute Shakespeare series, the suggestions may also be used in any program designed to introduce Shakespeare to students ranging in age from elementary to high school, or a mixture of ages." "The tone of the book is enthusiastic and encouraging, the suggestions are realistic, and the activities are doable. Shakespeare: To Teach or Not to Teach is an excellent resource for any teacher setting out on the grand adventure of bringing Shakespeare's timeless plays to life." Eclectic Home School Online

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