Fiction enables us to explore the recesses of man’s head and heart with a torch; history allows us only the natural light of day, which does not usually shine into such places. Literature is man’s exploration of man by artificial light, which is better than natural light because we can direct it where we want.
It is through literature that a student
learns to examine thought and action compassionately. When a reader is able to
identify with a character and his conflict or problem in a story and see life
through the eyes of this character, that reader has begun to share an author’s
insight and has thus begun to read with appreciation. Reading in this way is to
respond both emotionally and intellectually. As you read this
powerfully-written novel by Paule Marshall, we hope that it delights,
enlightens, humanizes, and sensitizes you as members of our uniquely diverse
community here in Prince George’s Country.
The way you approach reading a book,
like novel is very important. While reading you must be able to see
relationships, perceive the development of character, theme, symbols, and be
able to detect multiple meanings. You can reject or accept, like or dislike the
literary work, depending on the effect it has on you. It is okay to do so. You
shouldn’t jump to a final judgment too soon, whether it is about the character,
the theme, or other elements. Remember: People and situations are not always as
they appear at first. Be objective because your emotional reaction can
sometimes cause unsound perception and interpretation. Keep this question in
mind — “Can I justify my judgments based on evidence from the work
itself?” To get the most out of literature, you must be aware of several
elements in fiction and know how to make inferences. Below are a few guidelines
to help you understand..
^^ Academic Benefits of Reading Literature
We tend to focus on the importance of reading instruction during the early to mid
childhood years. In reality, tweens contiue to actively develop their ability
to read. Studies show that most tweens struggle with reading comprehension. In
addition, they are still becoming familiar with common word patterns and
meanings of words. Since reading skills are vitally important for excelling in
all other subjects - from history to science to math - tweens need to continue
to be exposed to high-quality literature in order to develop their reading
abilities. Appropriately chosen literature offers enough words that a tween
already knows to prevent frustration, while introducing enough new words to
stretch the particular tween's vocabulary. This means that literature is best
chosen for an individual's reading level rather than for a group. Since most
school readings are not individually assigned, be alert to signs of frustration
or boredom in your tween. Either one is a signal that you may want to step in
and supplement required school reading with literature more appropriate to your
tween's skill level and interests. Doing so will help them develop to their
highest academic potential and embrace reading literature.
^^ Cognitive Benefits of Reading Literature
A key cognitive benefit of reading literature is the
development of reasoning skills. Tweens typically believe that there
is "one truth" in the world that is not affected by personal biases
or perspectives. They accept information that is provided to them by experts -
including parents and teachers - and that they themselves experience with their
own senses. This type of reasoning is less advanced than that of older teens
and twentysomethings, who realize that truth is relative and varies from person
to person.
According to a paper published in The Reading Teacher,
characters in Newbery Medal-winning books can help tweens progress in their
ability to reason. These main characters face cognitive and/or moral dilemmas
that surpass the types of dilemmas tweens typically experience. As a result of
facing such serious dilemmas, the characters must actively move from
lower-level to higher-level reasoning over the course of the book. This process
models the development of reasoning skills for tween readers in a natural and
engaging way. Being exposed to the characters' change in reasoning may in turn
aid tweens' own ability to think and reason about the world.
^^ Social and Emotional Benefits of Reading Literature
Reading literature also aids in social
and emotional development. For one, characters in high-quality
books often represent diverse backgrounds, including varying economic means,
different races and ethnicities and unique regions of the country or the world.
Diverse characters expose readers to worlds that a typical American tween never
gets to experience firsthand. Exposure to diversity can aid in tweens' empathy
for others, tolerance for difference and development of emotional sensitivity.
Being exposed to varying backgrounds and perspectives may also help tweens move
beyond adolescent egocentrism, which in turn benefits their
interactions with peers, teachers and parents.
Finally, reading literature can expand
a tween's emotional range. Quality literature naturally extracts a variety of
strong emotions from readers - including rage, heartache and loss. Some of
these emotions may never have been previously experienced by the tween.
Therefore, reading literature gives tweens an opportunity to grapple with and
process strong emotions in a safe setting without feeling overwhelmed by the
emotions. This helps to prepares them for future real-world situations - like
the death of a grandparent or serious illness in a friend - that will elicit
similar strong reactions.
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