Shakespeare's The Tempest for Kids (Playing With Plays Book 8)
#8 of 42 in Playing With Plays Series
What’s inside...
The Tempest for Kids is a fun and engaging adaptation of Shakespeare's classic play, designed for children, families, and drama groups. It offers three different versions for varying group sizes, with actual lines from the original play highlighted for easy identification. The script is creatively modified to be funny and witty, making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages, including adults. Through this delightful rendition, kids will not only have fun performing but also develop a love for Shakespeare's works. The book promises to spark an interest in Shakespeare, leading to further exploration of his plays and an appreciation for his literary genius.
Character compass
Prospero
Miranda
Ferdinand
Ariel
Gonzalo
Trinculo
Stephano
Sebastian
Antonio
Alonso
Caliban
Discussion points
How do you think Prospero feels about being stranded on the island? What would you do if you were in his place?
What role does magic play in the story? How do the characters use magic to solve their problems or make things harder?
What lessons can we learn about forgiveness and reconciliation from the way Prospero interacts with his enemies?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in modern times? Which character would you like to be and why?
Did any of the characters change by the end of the play? Who changed the most and what caused that change?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the moral dilemmas characters face, and relate those situations to real-life scenarios they might encounter.
Discuss the historical context of the play and how the themes of magic, power, and betrayal are still relevant today.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how various characters might have felt during key moments in the play.
Use creative activities like drawing scenes or re-enacting parts of the play to help your child better understand and engage with the story.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists to the play, encouraging creative thinking and deeper understanding of the characters' motivations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Shakespeare's The Tempest for Kids,' children learn about empathy through the character of Prospero, who ultimately forgives those who wronged him, demonstrating understanding and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles in their own lives by learning to forgive and understand their peers, promoting a more harmonious and supportive environment among friends and classmates.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The magical elements and fantastical characters in 'The Tempest' help spark imagination. The adaptation for kids maintains these elements, making it a wonderful tool to encourage creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can use this inspiration to engage in creative activities such as drawing, storytelling, or acting, which are essential for cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: Prospero’s role as a leader who must make difficult decisions teaches children about responsibility. His journey highlights the effects that decisions can have on others around us.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in everyday situations such as group projects at school, helping children understand the importance of responsible decision-making and the impact of their actions on the group's success.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: Throughout the play, characters encounter and resolve conflicts, a key theme that is preserved in the children’s adaptation. This teaches kids effective ways to resolve misunderstandings and disputes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply conflict resolution strategies in their interactions, which helps them resolve disputes peacefully and constructively, be it at home or in school.