Twilight

So I am not going to lie, I have read Twilight a few times before this class. Although it is a cheesy storyline and the writing is very simple, its still a nice book to read before falling asleep at night (not because its boring but because of how easing of the mind it is). I am not going to lie though, I like Harry Potter soooo much better.



Thought this picture was funny though. The same author also did this one:


Fanfiction is great because it opens up your eyes more. I never thought to compare the two girls but, for those who read Harry Potter, Hermione is truly a better role model for girls.
I also think fanfiction is a good creative writing strategy or a way to get kids to write more. It not only shows they read the story, but also lets them put their own take on it, which will connect them more to the novel. It can also make a classic more modern.

The article on censorship surprised me. Saying that "To Kill a Mockingbird," is bad because the word RAPE is used several times? Seriously people. I read that book in ninth grade and I still love it. Though this one is my favorite: "National Geographic: "Nudity and sensationalism, especially in stories on barbaric foreign people."Hmmm, or maybe that is their culture and we should learn about it and respect it? I understand how it is difficult to novels for a large group of kids because not everyone has the same maturity level, but I also feel that it is unwise to take away something that is potentially important to their learning.

Teacher Inquiry project

For my topic I am going to focus on Teaching to the Canon: Why teach the Classics?

My tentative questions are:

1) What makes a classic a classic?

2) What requirements does a novel have to fulfill to become a part of the canon?

3) How can we incorporate both classic and modern novels into the classroom?

4) Does reading classics affect students comprehension or intelligence?

My book is: Adolescent Literature as a complement to the classics

And articles so far are: The Canon and The Making of the English Canon (but these can change)

Persepolis

I have to admit, this story is unlike any other story I have ever read. I found it extremely interesting esp. because it was a true story. I never knew that they had to tear out pages in their school books that discussed the shah, or had school closed for two years so no one learned incorrect information. To be honest, I don't remember learning about the Islamic Revolution...which kinda says something about my schooling.

Anyway, I feel this book should be taught in high school. It is interesting and a powerful story. WAYYY better than actually reading a memoir, atleast to kids who are not all that interested in reading. It is hard for me to imagine why kids would not read a story that we give them to read, but that is just because I enjoyed reading in high school. I think it is important to show all types of literature that there is, because those kids who don't like reading, may not enjoy the standard novels, but may enjoy graphic ones. And if they have a book in their hands, what's wrong with that?

I liked the part in the article that discussed the wordless story. I think by having them analyze the pictures then make their own story, not only helps them with writing, but creativity too. It will pair well with art classes. Maybe for this activity, art students could draw a series of pictures, and then give them to the students in English classes. That way students have more of an opportunity connecting with the art piece and enjoy writing. My school always had an art show at the end of the year and students were able to show all of their work (literature included...I had a play performed!). All of our hallways were decorated in students' art pieces and it was great. If we were to have done the wordless story activity in our high school, I'm sure it would have been a big hit in the art show.