Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 270
•
Trim: 8½ x 11
978-1-4758-0739-4 • Paperback • June 2014 • $83.00 • (£64.00)
978-1-4758-0740-0 • eBook • June 2014 • $78.50 • (£60.00)
Arlene Marks began both writing and teaching at an early age: she loved playing school with younger neighborhood children on weekday afternoons, passing on what she had learned in school that day. Still passionate about education, she is now a multi-published author, editor, and teacher of English, literacy and writing with more than twenty years of experience in the high school classroom.
Introduction
Implementing the program
Aims and Objectives of the program
A. STUDYING FICTION
Introduction/Aims and Objectives
Assignment 1: Examine the Themes of the Story
Students look at the superficial and underlying themes in the story and how they are purposefully delivered by the characters, plot, setting and writing style of the author.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 1 -- Theme Is Everywhere (chart)
SFR 1A -- Theme Is Everywhere (exemplar chart filled out)
Assignment 2: Appreciate the Realism of the Story
Students examine the interplay of plot logic, character consistency and setting description that combine to draw the reader into a story.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 2 -- Elements of Realism Chart 1
SFR 3 -- Elements of Realism Chart 2
Assignment 3: Chart the Dramatic Conflict of the Story
Students review the elements of dramatic conflict and discover its importance in creating an emotionally satisfactory short story.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 4 -- Three Types of Conflict
SFR 5 -- Real and Stated Goals
Assignment 4: Explore the Structure of the Story
Students analyze the scene structure and plot structure of a short story, and learn how an author uses these to speed up or slow down the pace of a story.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 6 -- Story Outline Chart
SFR 7 -- Scene Structure Chart
SFR 8 -- Scene Development Chart
SFR 7A -- Scene Structure Chart: Exemplar filled in
Assignment 5: Experience the Sensory Detail (Imagery) of the Story
Students identify the various types of sensory detail and learn what makes imagery an effective storytelling tool.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 9 -- Focused Imagery Creates Subtext
Assignment 6: Evaluate the Simile and Metaphor of the Story
Students focus on these two types of figurative language and the contribution they make to the impact of a story.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 10 -- Is It a Simile?
SFR 11 -- Simile Chart 1
SFR 12 -- Simile Chart 2
SFR 13 -- Metaphor Chart
Assignment 7: Note the Use of Language in the Story
Students learn about the importance of word choices in story writing, to emphasize mood and define characters. Students also practice using a dictionary and thesaurus to expand their vocabulary.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 14 -- Language Reveals Character
SFR 15 -- Word Connotations Worksheet
Assignment 8: Analyze the Main Characters of the Story
Students examine the role and nature of the protagonist and antagonist of a story and learn about the Dimensions needed in order to bring these characters to life for the reader.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 16 -- Dimensions of Life Chart
SFR 17 -- Basic and Secondary Motivations Chart
Assignment 9: Appreciate the Humor in the Story
Students analyze the techniques that create humor in a story and the role of humor in effective storytelling.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 18 -- Three Kinds of Humor
Assignment 10: Explore the Setting of the Story
Students look at the techniques used by authors to create interesting settings, and the importance of setting details to the mood of a story.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 19 -- Details Reveal Setting
SFR 20 -- Setting Reveals Character
Assignment 11: Rate the Opening of the Story
Students identify the characteristics of a well-written story opening and practice evaluating the effectiveness of the first scene of a variety of story types.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 21 -- What We Learn Chart
Assignment 12: Evaluate the Story
Students determine the characteristics of a well-written story and practice using these criteria to evaluate short stories.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 22 -- Story Evaluation Sheet
Assignment 13: Write a Literary Response
Students practice writing three different kinds of responses to fiction: dialectical, personal and analytical.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 23 -- Writing A Response
SFR 24 -- Writing an Analytical Response
SFR 25 -- Proofread with a Partner – Dialectical Response
SFR 26 -- Proofread with a Partner – Personal Response
SFR 27 -- Proofread with a Partner – Analytical Response
SFR 28 -- Marking Checklist – Dialectical Response
SFR 29 -- Marking Checklist – Personal Response
SFR 30 -- Marking Checklist – Analytical Response
B. LITERARY CRITICISM 101
Introduction/Aims and Objectives
An introduction to the critical analysis of literature. Beneficial for all grade levels, but
especially recommended for Grade 12.
Reproducibles/Media:LCR 1 -- Critical Viewpoints #1 – Formalist
LCR 2 -- Critical Viewpoints #2 – Mythopoeic
LCR 3 -- Critical Viewpoints #3 – Neo-Marxist
LCR 4 -- Critical Viewpoints #4 – Gender-Based
LCR 5 -- Critical Viewpoints #5 – Deconstructionist
LCR 6 -- Critical Viewpoints #6 – Psychological
LCR 7 -- Critical Viewpoints Overview Chart
LCR 8 -- Writing the Analytical Response
LCR 9 – Clauses Determine Sentence Patterns
LCR 10 -- Syntactical Effects handout
LCR 11 -- Syntax Practice chart
LCR 12 – How to Answer a Literary Question
LCR 13 – The Science of Literary Analysis
LCR 14 – The Science of Critical Analysis
LCR 14A – The Science of Critical Analysis: Exemplar filled in
LCR 15 -- In-Class Analytical Response Assignment Sheet
LCR 16 -- In-Class Response Assessment Sheet
C. WRITING THE LITERARY ESSAY
Introduction/Aims and Objectives
Skill 1: Developing a Topic
Unpacking a topic and brainstorming to arrive at a thesis question.
Skill 2: Organizing the Information
From chart to first-draft thesis statement.
Skill 3: Testing a Thesis
...to arrive at a final draft thesis statement.
Skill 4: Generating Arguments
Pulling arguments out of a thesis statement by asking, "Why do I say that?"
Skill 5: Building Argumentation
Constructing compelling arguments using elaboration, examples and supporting quotations. First drafting the body of an essay.
Skill 6: Writing the Introduction and Conclusion
Building a powerful opening and conclusion for a literary essay.
Reproducibles/Media:WLR 1 -- Integrating Quotations into Your Literary Essay
Skill 7: Revision, Editing and Proofreading
Completing the writing process and preparing the submission package.
Reproducibles/Media:WLR 2 -- Proofread with a Partner Checklist
WLR 3 -- Literary Essay Assessment Rubric
D. STUDYING POETRY
Introduction/Aims and Objectives
Part 1: Build Your Toolkit
Students familiarize themselves with literary terminology as they describe and discuss poetry at three levels of analytical complexity.
Assignment 1: Define Poetry
Identifying the characteristics that make a piece of writing poetical.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 1 – Prose and Poetry
SPR 2 – Levels Of Analysis – Poetry
SPR 3 – A Glossary Of Poetical/Literary Terms
SPR 7 – Poetry Terminology Quiz
Assignment 2: Analyze on the Technical Level
An introduction to poetical devices that determine how the poem looks and sounds.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 4 – Answering An Effectiveness Question (Technical)
Assignment 3: Analyze on the Associative Level
An introduction to poetical devices that compare and contrast the poem's content with the real world.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 5 – Answering an Effectiveness Question (Associative)
Assignment 4: Analyze on the Thematic Level
An introduction to poetical devices that focus on what the reader brings to the reading of the poem.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 6 – Answering an Effectiveness Question (Thematic)
Assignment 5: Practice Close Reading of Poetry
How each word of a poem contributes to its depth of meaning and its impact on the reader.
Assignment 6: Practice Analyzing Poetry
How to answer effectiveness questions about examples from a poem.
Extension Activity: Analyzing the Poetry of a Shakespearean Play
Reproducibles/Media: SPR 8 – Levels of Analysis – Effectiveness
SPR 9 – Technical Devices in A Midsummer Night's Dream
SPR 10 – Associative Devices in A Midsummer Night's Dream
SPR 11 – Thematic Devices in A Midsummer Night's Dream
Summative Product: Write a Sight Test
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 12 – Tips for Writing a Test
SPR 13 – Poetry Sight Test – "On the Sonnet"
SPR 14 – Poetry Sight Test – "The Scarecrow"
SPR 15 – Poetry Sight Test – "I See Before Me the Gladiator Lie"
Summative Product: Answer an Effectiveness Question
Reproducibles/Media: SPR 16 – Answering an Effectiveness Question Editing Checklist
SPR 17 – Answering an Effectiveness Question Assessment Sheet
Part 2: Analyzing Narrative Poetry
Students practice using correct terminology as they consider and respond to questions on all three levels of analysis.
Assignment 1: The Story in the Poem
Identifying and appreciating the narrative structure of the poem.
Reproducibles/Media:SFR 4 – Three Types Of Conflict Chart
SFR 6 – Story Outline Chart
Assignment 2: Identify a Focus
Formulating a focus question to be answered by the analysis of the poem.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 2 – Levels of Analysis – Poetry
Assignment 3: Perform a Close Reading
Reading carefully to identify examples of poetical devices on all three levels of analysis.
Assignment 4: Analyze the Poem
Answering the focus question by selecting and analyzing the strongest examples from the poem.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 8 – Levels of Analysis – Effectiveness
Assignment 5: Summative Products
A menu of assignments for each grade level.
Teaching "David" by Earle Birney
How the author adapted the preceding Assignments for her Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 classes.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 18 – The Hero
SPR 19 – "David" Worksheet
SPR 20 – Group Poetry Assignments ("David")
Part 3: Analyzing Lyric Poetry: The Sonnet
Students practice using correct literary terminology to consider and respond to questions on all three levels of analysis.
Assignment 1: Introduction to the Sonnet
The characteristics of the sonnet form of lyric poetry.
Assignment 2: Close Reading and Analysis of a Sonnet
Appreciating the lyrical qualities of the sonnet form.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 2 – Levels Of Analysis – Poetry
SPR 8 – Levels Of Analysis -- Effectiveness
SPR 4 to 6 – Answering An Effectiveness Question (3 levels)
Summative Products
A menu of assignments for each grade level.
Studying Lyric Poetry: Creative/Writing Challenges
Enrichment activities for creative students.
Part 4: Analyzing Dramatic Poetry
Students practice using correct terminology as they discuss the dramatic aspects of the poem and consider and respond to questions on all three levels of analysis
Assignment 1: Introduction to Dramatic Poetry
The characteristics of the dramatic form of poetry.
Assignment 2: Perform a Close Reading
Appreciating the poetical qualities of the poem.
Assignment 3: Analyze the Poem
Determining how the poetical and dramatic aspects of the poem reinforce each other to reveal the speaker.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 2 – Levels Of Analysis – Poetry
SPR 8 – Levels Of Analysis -- Effectiveness
SPR 4 to 6 – Answering An Effectiveness Question (3 levels)
Summative Products
A menu of assignments for each grade level.
Teaching "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson
How the author adapted the preceding Assignments for her Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 classes.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 21 – Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Part 5: Writing a Literary Response
As students practice writing three different kinds of responses to poetry they will be honing both their writing and their critical thinking skills.
Assignment 1: Write a Dialectical Response to a Poem
Two columns on a sheet of paper, point form personal response to selected words or lines.
Assignment 2: Write a Personal Response to a Poem
A short personal essay inspired by a work of poetry.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 22 – Writing a Response
Assignment 3: Write an Analytical Response to a Poem
A short essay examining the effectiveness of a poet's choices.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 23 – Writing an Analytical Response
Completing The Final Draft, All Responses
Practicing the writing process to arrive at a finished product.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 24 – Proofread with a Partner – Dialectical Response
SPR 25 – Proofread with a Partner – Personal Response
SPR 26 – Proofread with a Partner – Analytical ResponseSPR 27 – Assessment Checklist – Dialectical Response
SPR 28 – Assessment Checklist – Personal Response
SPR 29 – Assessment Checklist – Analytical Response
Part 6: Practicing Timed Writing
Students learn and practice techniques that will help them do their best when answering essay-response questions on English examinations.
Assignment 1: Lay the Foundations
A primer on syntax and diction.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 30– Introduction to Syntax
LCR 9 – Clauses Determine Sentence Patterns
SPR 31 – Phrases Enhance Sentence Meaning
SPR 32 – Syntactical Effects in Poetry
SPR 33 – Diction: The Art of Carefully Choosing Words
Assignment 2: Practice Unpacking Prompts
Closely reading a question to determine how to respond.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 34 – Analyzing Tone in Literature
SPR 35 – How to Read a Literary Question
Assignment 3: Develop a Supporting Example
Fully analyzing a selected quotation in the body of a written response.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 2 – Levels of Analysis – Poetry
SPR 8 – Levels Of Analysis – Effectiveness
Assignment 4: Organize an Essay Length Response (DFAR)
A tested and efficient pattern for a written response to an effectiveness prompt.
Assignment 5: Write a Timed Response in 40 minutes or less
A proven effective way to help students prepare for final/AP exams.
Reproducibles/Media:SPR 36 to 39 – Timed Writing Formative Assessment Sheets
SPR 40 – Tips For Success in Timed Writing Exercises
Enjoying Literature is an insightful look at the intricacies of teaching poetry for the love of it. It is rich with concrete examples and ready-to-use handouts for the busy classroom teacher. Enjoying Literature is every teacher’s solution to the daunting problem of teaching the analysis of poetry to reluctant students. It is a resource filled with classroom-tested handouts and ideas. Having been the author’s colleague for eight years, I know the success these strategies have yielded for her in the classroom setting.
— Laura Gatti, teacher-librarian and former subject head of English in the York Region District School Board