‘Lend me your ears’: Shakespeare with Key Stage 1 and 2

We are in no doubt that teaching Shakespeare as part of primary literacy is a challenge. Archaic language, complicated themes and grisly plots may seem to present too great and too mature a challenge for the primary years. Others may find the idea of children studying Macbeth an example of education being out of step with children's interests, how they learn and interact with each other.

In an age where the richness and variety of children's literature is staggering, shouldn't more contemporary and representative authors such as Neil Gaiman, Jasbinder Bilan or Shaun Tan be promoted instead? These are questions we have given serious thought to, both in our teaching of Shakespeare and in the writing of our book. But while the technical challenges are real, none are insurmountable. Such is the ubiquity of Shakespeare in the world that knowing him and his works can only contribute to children's wider cultural appreciation.