There are times, many times actually, when I start a novel with my students, and they complain the whole way through. As tempting as it is to just give in to them and move on to something else, I feel it's important to stick with it. Push through the tough language, the confusing plot line (confusing due to low comprehension), and the urge to just quit and read something "more fun".
My students and have been reading Lord of the Flies. To be honest, this was my first time reading it. I vaguely remember being assigned the novel in high school, but I didn't read it. I guess I can see the issues my students have with it, but it's important that I push them and not let them quit. Now that we're in the last chapter, I'm hearing things like, "Now it's getting good!" and "So many things are happening now."
The Common Core has definitely changed the level of rigor I'm bringing to the students as far as reading materials. Today, after we finish the last chapter, we're going to finish both films (new and old version) before going into a further analysis of the novel. We'll be looking more closely at characterization, conflict, how the setting influences the plot, irony, and theme. In addition, we'll be comparing and contrasting the two versions of the film and the novel to see which we found most effective in relaying the themes/messages.
I'm glad I pushed through. I'm rewarding my kids with a more engaging novel that they'll easily relate to--Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. It's a great book to teach Voice, characterization, and themes as well.
After that, we'll do The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Night (an/or The Diary of Anne Frank: the Play) and Romeo and Juliet. With my ESL, we'll be reading the graphic novel version of Treasure Island. If time allows in both classes, I'd like to do at least two literature circles.
Gotta head out. The bell is going to ring and my READ 180 kids will be piling in.
Teach Your Heart Out,
Jenn
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