Entry 4: Finding the Right Balance

Articles used:

• "Readicide" by Kelly Gallagher
• Chapter five from Bridging English by Milner and Milner
• "What Matters: Meeting Content Goals through Cognitive Reading Strategies with Canonical Texts" by Mary E. Styslinger, Julianne Oliver Ware, Charles W. Bell, and Jesse L. Barrett

Say:

One of these things that all of these articles has in common is the discussion of the canon and how to make works such as The Great Gatsby and Shakespeare's plays relatable and interesting to today's high school students.  One of the biggest concerns and where teachers and experts often disagree is the fact that we all have different opinions on how to best reach students when it comes to reading.  Some believe that we need to move away from the curriculum and allow students to choose books by themselves that really speak to them and which they can relate to.  On the other hand, however, there are those that want to keep the classics in the classroom because of their importance.  I, for one, think there has to be some sort of grey area as far as this issue is concerned.  Not all students loathe reading classics, despite the stereotype.  When I was a high school student I actually enjoyed reading Shakespeare and The Great Gatsby.  Perhaps the best way to reach students is to simply ask them.  I don't feel that it's right to assume that high school students don't enjoy reading classic works just because of their age.  However, I do understand that there are students who don't enjoy the classics.  Despite this, though, there is still a grey area where we can all meet and at least most of us are pleased.

Do:
I think anticipation guides are a wonderful way to introduce a text.  It really helps students become engaged before they even start reading.  It also allows students to make personal connections as well by tapping into their prior knowledge.  I would love to use this for The Great Gatsby because of the recent film adaptation with Leonardo DiCaprio.  Most high school students have likely seen it or at least familiar with its music and it would be really interesting to see what they expect from the novel if they have only been exposed to the film.

I found a great example of an anticipation guide from: http://s264.photobucket.com/user/lizthackeray/media/GreatGatsby-AnticipationGuide.jpg.html