The Enduring Power of Shakespeare: Lessons from the Hobart Shakespeareans

Imagine a classroom where students, despite facing significant challenges, achieve extraordinary success. This is the reality at Hobart Elementary School, where the "Hobart Shakespeareans" defy expectations through a unique approach to education.

Beyond Standardized Tests: Cultivating Lifelong Skills

Instead of focusing solely on standardized tests, the Hobart Shakespeareans program emphasizes skills that students will use throughout their lives. This approach fosters:

• Discipline: Learning to commit and persevere.
• Focus: Developing concentration and attention.
• Integrity: Understanding the importance of honesty and moral principles.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with others.
• A Joy of Learning: Instilling a lifelong passion for knowledge.
• Command of Language: Mastering communication skills.

Immersion in the Arts: Bringing Shakespeare to Life

The program immerses children in the arts, particularly the works of William Shakespeare. Students don't just read Shakespeare; they act Shakespeare. They don't just study Hamlet; they become Hamlet. This active engagement fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material.

The Power of Performance

By performing Shakespeare, students develop confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills. They learn to interpret complex texts, embody characters, and communicate effectively with an audience. This transformative experience extends far beyond the classroom, preparing them for success in all aspects of life.

Shakespeare's Enduring Relevance

Shakespeare's works continue to resonate with audiences centuries after they were written. His plays explore universal themes of love, loss, ambition, and revenge, offering timeless insights into the human condition. As Mark Twain aptly put it, the plays were written either by a man named Shakespeare or a man calling himself Shakespeare, but their impact is undeniable.

Shakespearean Phrases We Use Every Day

Shakespeare's influence on the English language is profound. Many common phrases we use today originated in his plays. Consider these examples:

• "Greek to me"
• "More sinned against than sinning"
• "Salad days"
• "Wish is father to the thought"
• "vanished into thin air"
• "dead as a doornail"

These phrases, and countless others, demonstrate the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's work.

The Mouse Trap

The play The Mouse Trap was originally written by Agatha Christie, but the name was stolen from Shakespeare's Hamlet. The play is the longest running play in the history of world theater.

Conclusion: A Model for Educational Success

The Hobart Shakespeareans program offers a powerful model for educational success. By prioritizing lifelong skills, fostering a love of learning, and engaging students in the arts, this program empowers children to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. It demonstrates that education is not just about memorizing facts; it's about cultivating the skills, values, and passions that will enable students to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.