Liven up Literature!

An English teacher who doesn’t like to read?  Does she even exist?  I think not.  One of the most enjoyable memories I have growing up is when I was given a new book.  It has long been a passion of mine to become fully engrossed in a good book.  You can imagine then how frustrating it is to have a class full of students who simply don’t enjoy reading.  The idea is so foreign to me!

We teachers need to be mindful that we are in a fight for our student’s minds and attentions.  I feel as though I am a lone soldier standing on one side of a battlefield holding a good book while my opponent is standing on the other armed with a television set, PSP, Nintendo DS, Wii, iPod, iPad, and iPhone!  It is natural to feel that I am fighting a losing battle; and although this is a reasonable feeling, I must not feel discouraged.

The realization that my time in literature class is precious should inspire me to make the most of my time.  Am I making literature enticing?  Am I teaching my students concepts that intrigue their imaginations?  Make literature as entertaining as possible!  Often times, I will use different voices, different volumes, and even act out a scene for my students.  This takes a bit more prep time, but it is well worth the effort when my students let out a groan if the bell rings before my story is complete.  I always feel as if I have struck a damaging blow against the pleasures of technology when several of my students ask, “Will we finish the story tomorrow, Miss Schweitzer?”

My fellow teachers, the battle is not over for the attention and imaginations of our students.  Now is the time to liven up your literature class!