Putting the Literature in English & Literature

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

Putting the Literature in English & Literature

Learning goals

At the end of this lesson series you can:

• Have a deeper understanding of the books you read.
• Find themes and ideas in stories.
• Discuss themes and ideas from books in English.
• Present themes and ideas to your teacher with your book club!

Why?

- Reading broadens the mind.

- Reading is 50% of your final exam grade.

- Reading teaches you new words and ways to express yourself.

- Reading can actually be fun!

How much do you read?

I haven't read a book for fun in years.

I read a new book every month.

I read a new book every two weeks.

I read books sometimes, but not often.

I enjoy reading, but I struggle to find books I like.

Quickly scan the text on this site:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/two-thirds-of-american-kids-cant-read-fluently/

What is the text about in your own words and why is this a problem?

Is this also a problem with Dutch students? Explain your opinion.

Why do teachers want us to read so badly!?

Read the text at the following link. You're allowed to use google translate for words you don't understand!

https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books

What benefits of reading did you find in the text? List as many as you can!

Schedule for the coming weeks:

• Choose a book that interests you.
• Spend time reading it in class and at home.
• Learn about themes and ideas in books.
• Form book clubs!
• Talk about the themes and ideas in your book in your book club.
• Present your ideas.

Reading your book.

• We'll spend around 30 minutes a week on reading in class.
• The rest of the reading has to be done by you in your own time.
•  Pay attention while you read. Make sure to already think of themes and ideas that you can find in your book.

Themes in literature

A theme is an idea in literature that is told to us through the text. Stories can have several themes at once. 

An example of a theme or idea is "friendship".

Let's try to find the themes in this poem!

(Red Brocade by Naomi Shihab Nye)

“The Arabs used to say,

When a stranger appears at your door,

feed him for three days

before asking who he is,

where he’s come from,

where he’s headed.

That way, he’ll have strength

enough to answer.

Or, by then you’ll be

such good friends

you don’t care.”

What themes or ideas come to mind when you read this poem? You can click for extra help to re-read the poem! (There aren't really any wrong answers here!)

Interpretations

• Literature can be experienced and felt in different ways. 
• Themes can be related to what the book is about but also what you feel.
• Stories and poems feel different for everyone reading it.
• It's okay to disagree!

Next lesson:

Bring a book from your local library or the mediatheek.

Your book needs to meet the following criteria:

• It needs to be a book with some actual meat to it.
• It needs to be a book you think you'll enjoy!

You can ask your teacher for recommendations!