Animated Versions of Classic Works of Literature
Shakespeare: The Animated Tales is a BBC television program of 12 episodes, each episode showing an animated half-hour adaptation of one of Shakespeare's plays.
These shows are a great way for children to experience Shakespeare's stories and become familiar with the classic plot lines. Then when they are older, they can begin to study the original plays with a foundation of already understanding both the characters and the plot.
The animation, done by Christmasfilms Studio in Moscow, offers a wide range of animation techniques. In the United States, the series aired on HBO and was hosted by Robin Williams.
Watch Shakespeare's Animated Tales free online at YouTube; I've found them all and organized them right here.
Contents at a Glance
Shakespeare Animated Tales Complete Set
I began introducing Shakespeare's plays to my daughter when she was seven years old by reading Nesbit's retellings outloud to her. She really loved the stories with their intricate plot lines and engaging characters. Letting her watch these animated stories is yet another way to foster a love for Shakespeare until the day she is old enough to read the Bard's original plays herself.
We have this set and incorporate it into our homeschool studies as well as watch them simply for fun. I think they are very, very well done and a great asset to a home video library.
Shakespeare: The Animated Tales
Amazon Price: $71.99 (as of 11/09/2009)
Winner of 3 Emmy Awards these exceptional animated stories have been designed to introduce children and young adults to some Shakespeare's most popular works.
The giftbox complete set contains 12 animated plays on 4 DVD's:
- The Tempest
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
- As You Like It
- Hamlet
- Julius Caesar
- Richard III
- Romeo & Juliet
- Othello
- The Winter's Tale
- Macbeth
- Taming of the Shrew
- Twelfth Night
Reviews of Shakespeare's Animated Tales
- DVD Town's Review
- DVD Town says, "It gives shorter snippets of Shakespeare in doses that are more digestible for young minds, far easier to process than the full, theatrical versions."
- Shakespeare Experience
- This review is limited to one program -- The Taming of the Shrew.
Romeo and Juliet
Part 1 of the Animated Tale
Shakespeare Goodies
Tales from Shakespeare
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $6.49
Great Characters from Shakespeare Paper Dolls
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $2.67
Shakespeare for Kids: His Life and Times, 21 Activities (For Kids series)
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $4.90
A Midsummer Night's Dream for Kids (Shakespeare Can Be Fun!)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $6.12
William Shakespeare & the Globe (Trophy Picture Books)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $2.48
The Taming of the Shrew
Julius Caesar
Teaching Shakespeare to Children
more resources
Visit the parent page to this lens Shakespeare for Children.-
Shakespeare for Children
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When should students first be exposed to the world famous works of William Shakespeare? Should it be during high school or college years? Isn't it true that Shakespeare is inaccessible for most modern readers and certainly for all children? No, not...
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Guestbook
AndyPo wrote...
Excellent lens. I love Shakespeare, but it can be hard work for kids
Posted April 22, 2009
Rewards4life wrote...
Brilliant idea for a lens Jimmie! Midsummer Night's Dream is my personal favorite. Well done (as always)!
Posted March 17, 2009
Greekgeek wrote...
Wow. I'll have to come back again. These are so cute! (I had to watch Midsummer Night's Dream -- definitely quite different from Neil Gaimon's version!)
Posted March 14, 2009
C-Joy wrote...
Can't wait until my lil' one can understand these stories! I had no idea that the Beeb had produced animated versions:)
Posted March 13, 2009
nightbear wrote...
As usual, terrific lens. You must be a wonderful home schooler for your kids, I bet they love it.
Posted March 12, 2009
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
Looks like a great way to introduce children to Shakespeare.
Posted March 12, 2009
JaguarJulie wrote...
Terrific idea for a lens! Shakespeare is so topical these days -- this is a timeless subject. Every child should study Shakespeare. Great job on the lens Jimmie!
Posted March 12, 2009
Grownup Versions When the Children are Ready
BBC Shakespeare Tragedies DVD Giftbox
Amazon Price: $134.99 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $90.00
BBC Shakespeare Comedies DVD Giftbox
Amazon Price: $134.99 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $139.95
BBC Shakespeare Histories (Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, Henry V, Richard II, Richard III) DVD Giftbox
Amazon Price: $134.99 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $104.13
by Jimmie
Hello! I am a homeschooling, stay at home mom who loves to teach and learn. I enjoy cooking from scratch, blogging, photography, and traveling, but I...
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