"Shakespeare Set Free: Teaching Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth & A Midsummer Night's Dream" by the Teaching Shakespeare Institute is a comprehensive guide for educators looking to effectively teach these three iconic plays. This book offers a wealth of resources, innovative teaching strategies, and practical exercises to engage students and bring Shakespeare's works to life in the classroom.

The Teaching Shakespeare Institute has created a collection of lesson plans, activities, and performance-based approaches that cater to both experienced and novice teachers. Each play is explored in detail, with lessons focusing on key themes, character analysis, and critical thinking. This allows educators to examine the plays from different angles, encouraging students to explore the complexities of Shakespeare's writing.

One of the notable strengths of this book is its emphasis on performance-based activities. The Teaching Shakespeare Institute recognizes the importance of actively engaging students with the text and provides a range of ideas for classroom performances, improvisations, and staged readings. These activities not only spark creativity and imagination but also enhance students' understanding of the plays and their relevance to contemporary society.

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Additionally, the book includes helpful tips on how to introduce Shakespeare's language to students who may find it daunting. It provides strategies to break down the language barriers, such as close reading techniques, group discussions, and interactive exercises. By making Shakespeare's language accessible, the Teaching Shakespeare Institute aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation and enjoyment of his works among students.

Overall, "Shakespeare Set Free" is a valuable resource for educators who want to make teaching Shakespeare an engaging and rewarding experience for students. With its diverse range of lesson plans, performance activities, and strategies for understanding Shakespearean language, this book offers practical tools to bring these timeless plays to life in the classroom. It empowers teachers to create a vibrant learning environment where students can fully appreciate the brilliance of Shakespeare's work.

What are readers saying?

"Shakespeare Set Free" is a highly acclaimed book written by the Teaching Shakespeare Institute. The reviews for this book are overwhelmingly positive, with teachers, students, and Shakespeare enthusiasts all highly recommending it.

According to numerous reviewers, "Shakespeare Set Free" is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in teaching or studying Shakespeare. It offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding and interpreting Shakespeare's works. The book provides practical advice for teaching Shakespeare in the classroom, including creative activities and lesson plans that engage students and bring the plays to life.

Reviewers praise the book for its clear and insightful analysis of Shakespeare's plays. They appreciate how the authors break down the language and themes, making it easier for readers to grasp the complexity of Shakespeare's works. From the well-known classics to lesser-known plays, "Shakespeare Set Free" covers a wide range of works, providing a well-rounded exploration of Shakespeare's oeuvre.

Many reviewers also applaud the book's emphasis on performance-based approaches. "Shakespeare Set Free" encourages readers to bring the plays to life through activities such as role-playing and performance exercises. Readers find these approaches highly effective in deepening their understanding of the plays and fostering a greater appreciation for Shakespeare's work.

Another aspect of the book that receives praise is its adaptability for different age groups and learning styles. Reviewers highlight the book's strategies and resources, which can be tailored to meet the needs of various students, whether they are high school students or adult learners. This adaptability makes "Shakespeare Set Free" a valuable tool for educators at all levels.

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