How can you get your teenagers to love classic literature?
Sometimes we wonder what happened to our little “baby” who used to listen in wonder to the stories we read to him ...
Once they're teenagers, they seem less inclined to listen to us and we can quickly come across as the “nerd” who suggests reading Alexandre Dumas rather than watching the latest Netflix series.
But in the end, are we getting the subject right? Here are a few tips to help you convince them and win them over in the end (yes, we can)
1. Modernise the approach: link the classics to their interests
Show your teenager that classic literature deals with themes that are still relevant today: love, rebellion, injustice, moral dilemmas... and, above all, draw parallels with their passions. For example: if your child loves Game Of Thrones, point them towards The Iliad by Homer, which tells the story of the Trojan War, and discuss the characters and their similarities to some of the heroes in the series. Then watch the series together and draw parallels with the book!
2. Take a trip to the theatre: a lively and accessible immersion experience
Theatre is an excellent way of bringing classic texts to life and making them accessible. Attending a performance allows you to understand the emotions, dialogue and stakes of a work, without having to confront the text directly.
You can start with the lighter, funnier classics as The Doctor in Spite of Himself by Molière or The Marriage of Figaro de Beaumarchais
3. Take them on a journey through time: visit iconic places
Make literature tangible by linking the classics to real places. A visit to Victor Hugo's house, a trip to the Comédie-Française or a walk around Paris in the footsteps of the Romantic poets can make the works more tangible and arouse their curiosity.
4. Encourage them to take an active part by joining a theatre company
Why not get your child to help you prepare a meal or snack? Put them on a chair so they're at the right height and show them how to make pancakes, tomato sauce, quiche or soup!
For this activity, don't hesitate to buy kitchen knives that are suitable for children! That way, you won't have to worry about anything and your child will have more freedom!
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