My daughter's a smart kid, and she's a senior in High School, taking AP English. Let's face it, learning Shakespeare can be tedious at best, and learning the intricacies of iambic pentameter can pretty much do anyone in. However, her English teacher hit on something that I thought was downright brilliant: learn by participation. Yes, the whole class was broken up in groups, and they learned and recited the Hokey Pokey (don't act like you don't know it), but adapted for the topic at hand. I present to you:
O proud left foot, that ventures quick within
Then soon upon a backward journey lithe.
Anon, once more the gesture, then begin:
Command sinistral pedestal to writhe.
Commence thou then the fervid Hokey-Poke,
A mad gyration, hips in wanton swirl.
To spin! A wilde release from Heaven's yoke.
Blessed dervish! Surely canst go, girl.
The Hoke, the Poke -- banish now thy doubt
Verily, I say, 'tis what it's all about.
-- William Shakespeare
Try it at home. It works. 'Tis frickin' brilliant.
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