Teaching Your Kids About Jane Austen

Have you ever wondered how to help your kids dive into the rich world of classic literature without getting overwhelmed?

Enter Jane Austen, whose novels not only withstand the test of time but offer young readers a chance to explore complex characters and universal themes.

In this article, we’ll explore fun and engaging ways to introduce her stories to the young minds in your family.

Ready to journey into the past with an author who has charmed readers for over two centuries?

Discovering Jane Austen: Her Life and Times

Before we jump into the books themselves, let’s take a quick trip back to the late 1700s and early 1800s, where Jane Austen crafted novels that painted a vivid picture of English society.

Born in 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire, Austen started writing in her teens, becoming a keen observer of her social milieu which influenced much of her work.

Understanding her background gives us a glimpse into the origins of her storytelling genius, highlighting her role as a pioneering female voice in a male-dominated literary world.

Jane Austen’s Literary World

Austen’s most famous novels—like "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma"—offer more than just love stories.

They are rich with discussions on societal norms, morality, and the pursuit of personal happiness.

These themes are not only historical snapshots of Austen’s time but also relatable dilemmas for today’s readers.

Dive into these books to discover characters and situations that resonate across generations.

Craft a Jane Austen Reading Sanctuary

Creating a special place at home dedicated to reading can make exploring Austen’s works magical.

How about setting up a cosy corner with comfortable cushions, good lighting, and perhaps some Regency-era decorations?

Think portraits of Austen or maps of Bath and London from her time to help bring her stories to life.

Utilising Audiobooks

Embrace the world of audiobooks to make Jane Austen’s sophisticated prose more accessible to young listeners.

Audiobooks can be a fantastic resource, especially for children who find early 19th-century English a bit daunting.

With engaging narrators who bring characters to life through tone and emotion, audiobooks help convey the humour and subtleties of Austen’s dialogues.

They are also perfect for busy families, allowing you to enjoy literature during car rides or quiet evenings at home.

Bringing Austen to Life: Interactive and Read-Aloud Fun

Reading aloud isn’t just for the little ones; it can transform reading into a shared, lively family activity.

Try adopting different voices for characters or discussing the motivations behind their actions.

Beyond the page, consider themed activities like a Regency tea party.

Dress up in empire-waist gowns or suits and turn an afternoon snack into a mini-historical event, discussing manners and customs of Austen’s era.

Discussing Character Development

While exploring Austen's novels, take the opportunity to discuss how her characters evolve through the stories.

This can be a great way for children to learn about character arcs, motivations, and the consequences of actions.

Use questions like, "Why do you think Elizabeth Bennet reacted that way?" to encourage deep thinking and empathy.

These discussions can help children understand complex social interactions and ethical dilemmas, enhancing their ability to analyse characters and situations.

Visual Austen: Film Adaptations and More

Sometimes, seeing a book come to life onscreen can spark interest in the written word.

Start with more accessible adaptations like "Pride and Prejudice" (the 2005 film version is visually stunning and digestible for younger viewers) and discuss what’s similar or different from the book.

It’s a fantastic way to develop critical thinking and appreciation for storytelling.

Incorporating Technology in Learning

In today's digital age, integrating technology can enhance the literary experience of Austen's works.

Use apps that provide historical context, interactive maps of places mentioned in Austen’s novels, or augmented reality experiences that bring Regency-era England to life.

This technology can help visualise settings and customs, making the social and historical backdrop of Austen's novels more tangible and relatable for young readers.

Online Book Clubs and Forums

Encourage your children to join online book clubs or forums tailored to young readers interested in classic literature.

Participating in these communities can be incredibly beneficial. It allows kids to share their insights and learn from others, which can deepen their understanding and appreciation of the novels.

Discussions in these settings can also enhance their critical thinking and communication skills, making the reading experience more interactive and enjoyable.

Exploring Austen’s England

Consider exploring Austen-related sites to deepen your and your child's appreciation of her life and works.

Visiting places like the Jane Austen Centre in Bath or her home in Chawton can offer a tangible connection to the settings and inspirations behind her famous novels.

These excursions provide a hands-on historical experience that can enhance your understanding of Austen's world, bringing the pages of her books to life in a uniquely personal way..

Encourage Creative Expression

After delving into Austen’s narratives, encourage your kids to write a short story inspired by the Regency period, or let them draw scenes from their favourite chapters.

Engaging creatively with the text allows children to express their interpretations and solidify their understanding of the themes.

A List of resources:

1. The Jane Austen Annotated Editions by Harvard University Press - Harvard University Press offers a list of online resources about Jane Austen and her literary works, including communities, discussion boards, and supporting sites. These resources can supplement the reading experience of Austen's classic novels.

2. The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) - JASNA is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the study, appreciation, and understanding of Jane Austen's works. Their website provides resources, links, and information about Austen-related events, lectures, and tours.

3. Austen-L Discussion Forum - Austen-L is an ongoing e-mail discussion forum for Austen enthusiasts. It is a scholarly internet-based forum where participants engage in discussions about Austen's novels. The archives of the discussion and information on how to participate can be found on their website.

4. Lapham's Quarterly Guide to Jane Austen and Children - Lapham's Quarterly provides a guide to understanding the portrayal of children in Austen's novels and how they reflect the characters and values of their parents. This resource offers insights into Austen's perspective on childhood and family dynamics.

5. Morningside College Library - Jane Austen Resources - Morningside College Library provides access to a variety of articles and resources related to Jane Austen. Their collection includes full-text articles, biographies, book reviews, and government information.

6. Jane Austen Wikipedia Page - The Wikipedia page on Jane Austen provides a comprehensive overview of her life, works, and legacy. It includes information on her family, upbringing, and the social and intellectual atmosphere in which she lived.

7. Jane Austen Ultimate Homeschool Resource List - This resource list includes various products, courses, and study guides for homeschooling parents who want to incorporate Jane Austen's works into their curriculum. It offers suggestions for literature study guides, trivia games, puzzles, and more. 

Conclusion

Embrace the Adventure of Reading Together. As we wrap up our Austen adventure, remember that introducing your children to literature like Austen’s is about more than just reading old books—it’s about discovering timeless stories that challenge and enchant. It’s about understanding human nature, society, and ourselves a little better with every page.

So grab a book, snuggle into your reading nook, and let Jane Austen’s words transport you and your family back in time.