I’ve received many compliments and questions about my cover artwork over the years, and I thought I would let everyone see behind the curtain as to who is the master of this whimsical art that I’m so lucky to have grace my covers. I did a short Q&A with him. His name is Ron Leishman,…
Shakespeare for Kids Art Q&A with the Illustrator was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
I have been so very lucky to meet a wonderful artist who has captured the plays of Shakespeare in a way unique to anything I’ve ever seen. (examples are below) As with Shakespeare, Jane Tomlinson was born and raised in Straford-upon-Avon. “The Bard has always been a towering figure in my life; his influence permeated my childhood,”…
Beautiful Shakespeare Art was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
So, I have had a number of requests to have my logo with a Shakespeare phrase placed on some swag. So, without any further ado, I present you the Shakespeare mugs. I hope you enjoy them, as much as I do with coffee in them! If there’s one that is missing or something you want to see, please let me know and I’ll look into creating it! I’ll have more products out soon, stay tuned!!!
Mugs, mugs, mugs… was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
I ask kids all the time, “Have you ever seen The Lion King? Then you know the story of Hamlet!” Well, on the most part, yes, but not exactly… I came across this great infographic that showcases the differences and similarities and well … slight differences… like, oh, I don’t know, Elton John singing? Anyway, I thought you all would enjoy and possibly use this Hamlion graphic!!!
HamLion – How Lion King is based off Hamlet was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
Many people ask to see a sample of my books. So, I finally did it… here is the link to see a small excerpt from each and every title that I have. Let me know if you have any questions!
Sneak Peek at Shakespeare for Kids books
Sneak Peek at Shakespeare for Kids Books was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
As many of you know, I visit classrooms and do an engaging, interactive, “Intro to Shakespeare” experience. However, some locations are a bit too far to get to, for example, Wales, England. I use that example, as I have recently conducted a Skype call with a group of kids from Wales! Other than having to get up at 5am my time, it was an incredible experience! All the kids had their questions ready and in-hand and my face was up on the big-screen for all to see! It was fun, as the questions could be about anything. So, of the 20 or so questions I answered, a few were about Shakespeare (they just read and performed my Tempest for Kids), and even some about book writing, but, there were also questions about my pets (yes, I have a fish named Monster!), and many around legos!
See the video below for a quick view of the Skype call.
All-in-all, it was a great experience for myself, the kids, and the teacher!
If you would like to connect via Skype, please email me! brendan @ PlayingWithPlays.com
Skype Classroom Visits was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
Over the years, I have done many classroom visits. It’s such a wonderful experience for me, the kids, and the teacher. It’s a quick 45-55 minutes visit, that consists of the following:
You can engage your class this way on a first day of Shakespeare, or , if you are interested in learning more about me coming in for a classroom visit, you can email me at brendan at PlayingWithPlays.com
One other note, the typical grades that I visit are 5th through 7th, they are typically the most engaging when it comes to all the hands-on activities that we do!
Have fun engaging kids with Shakespeare!!!
Classroom Visits – Intro to Shakespeare was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
I have worked and talked with many teachers that have used my books to help kids with special needs. As well, I have done many plays with kids with special needs, and the change and awareness that is created during the process is amazing! Knowing this, I wanted to share an idea that I just received from a teacher. Here is what she wrote:
I used your Midsummer Night’s Dream for Kids as reading material. I couldn’t get my high school special ed students to reread anything. Their thinking was I have already read that once and do not need to repeat. But by introducing this as a play that needed to be word perfect and beginning on page one each day, they were willing to participate. They were rehearsing for a show not simply earning a grade for the reading class. Your materials made all the difference. Most important, reading skills improved.
A clever use of my books, or plays in general, to get special needs kids more engaged in reading! Just a lesson idea from a teacher in the world. I hope this helps, as well as I’m always here to help if you need it, just reach out to me!
Keep having fun out there!
Shakespeare for Special Needs was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
So, I recently directed Oliver Twist for Kids and am about to direct A Christmas Carol for Kids. In doing so, I have come across a great costume that is both inexpensive and very effective as a fun kids cape to wear. As you may or may not know, there is a creepy villain, that is constantly referred to as the caped guy, in Oliver Twist named Monks. (Think of the villain from Meet The Robinsons). As well, there is the fourth ghost in A Christmas Carol that is the Grim Reaper. Both these characters can easily wear the same, simple, costume. Add a mustache for Monks and a staff for the Grim Reaper and bamm! You are good to go! (This is also a great cape for use with Macbeth for Kids for the “Murderer” character!)
I spent quite some time looking through all the different capes/cloaks/hooded sheets on Amazon until I found the right size, look, length, and price that works!
It’s a simple black hooded cloak with a crushed velvet finish to make it look really cool. The best part is that the kids LOVE wearing it (and for less than $20!) Half the time they’re acting like Darth Vader when wearing it off stage, but hey, that’s the fun of being an actor, right? Using the imagination!
Here is the link to Amazon for the Cape. Have a great performance and see you on the stage!
Monks and Grim Reaper Cape Costume – Simple was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
A teacher recently contacted me with a great idea about her Rome curriculum for her elementary kids. They’re taking my Julius Caesar for kids and doing a readers theater in class. No need to memorize, they just read through a few times, then do a simple Roman performance for another class or parents, but they get…
When in Rome was originally published on Shakespeare for Kids Books
Brendan's thoughts 