Special Needs

Shakespeare Comic Books quickly became popular with Special Needs teachers working with reluctant readers and students with dyslexia and autism as well as those for whom English is not a first language. The books’ highly pictorial nature is found to provide important visual clues to an understanding of the text while the simplified modern English is also invaluable.

The Shakespeare Comic Books are unique.
Each title offers:

• Edited original text
• Modern English translation
• Fully illustrated comic style presentation

‘The Shakespeare Comic Book Series is an absolute godsend for those of us wishing to bring to life the dramatic storylines of Shakespeare. They convert difficult language and concepts into user friendly modern English. The comic books are full of vivid illustrations. A great resource for pupils of all abilities!’  Linda Arthan, Special Needs Teacher, Shropshire.

Discounts are available to schools buying classroom sized quantities (with thirty days credit). Prices:

Comic Books: 1-24 copies: £8.99 each; 25+ copies: £7.50 each. Postage: 1-3 copies: £3.50; 4-6 copies: £6.50; 7+ copies: £14

Teaching Shakespeare, Teacher’s Books: £22 each + £3.50 p&p

The Shakespeare Comic Book Series was designed for mainstream pupils, but from first publication has been welcomed with enthusiasm by many Special Educational Needs teachers.
The books have been used by teachers working with students who have dyslexia, autism, hearing impairment and those for whom English is not a first language. While the highly visual nature of the presentation and modern English translation help many with special educational needs, the books may not be suitable for all such students (eg. those with extreme forms of dyslexia).

The comic books are on sale at the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Shakespeare Bookshop, Stratford. They also form part of The Michael P. Jensen Collection for Shakespeare in Mass Media and Popular Culture, housed at the Southern Oregon University, USA.

‘Very effective, visual and fun! Excellent for all, but especially for those who have special educational needs or who are reluctant to settle to work! What more do busy teachers need? They make Shakespeare accessible and assist in greater understanding. These resources provide essential help in understanding the plots and the characters. Their role in motivating and captivating cannot be underestimated.!
‘I have seen the comic books used extremely well in a wide variety of schools and colleges both mainstream and special as well as other education settings where they feature as an integral part of a more personalized approach. I recommend and commend them.’  Maria Landy – Independent Adviser, Inspector and Trainer – Specialist in Special Educational Needs.

For a link to Maria Landy’s website, please click www.marialandy.co.uk

‘The excellent illustrations provide visual clues to framework the plays and are supported with notes on plot development to increase reader awareness of the story…Very attractive resources.’  Review, SNIP (Special Needs Information Press), Issue no 179

‘Attractively illustrated… intellectually respectable.’  John Clare, Education Editor, Daily Telegraph

Teacher’s Books also available. Please see sample pages.

Shakespeare Comic Book Titles

Teaching Shakespeare: Teacher’s Resource Books