When I initially went to the Metro English Department to see how many classes I would need to take in order to get my teaching license, I was disappointed that I couldn’t count a past course in Children’s Literature as my Young Adult Literature requirement. I am trying to get through the Teaching Licensure Program as quickly as possible. In retrospect, I am very thankful that this course turned out to be a requirement. I've really enjoyed this class, and I learned a lot as well.
Over the course of the semester, I've discovered the importance in looking at texts through the lens of the adolescent reader. When I approach books now I ask myself how teenagers would react to the text. This is definitely one of the most essential learnings I've taken away from the course. I am so accustomed to doing literary analysis that I tend to think more about how literary critics might read a novel. While this may be somewhat useful, understanding how teens read is an imperative part of teaching high school English.
Over the course of the semester, I've discovered the importance in looking at texts through the lens of the adolescent reader. When I approach books now I ask myself how teenagers would react to the text. This is definitely one of the most essential learnings I've taken away from the course. I am so accustomed to doing literary analysis that I tend to think more about how literary critics might read a novel. While this may be somewhat useful, understanding how teens read is an imperative part of teaching high school English.
I also changed my view of what students “should” read. I now understand that because so many students aren’t reading for pleasure, or aren’t reading at all, it is important for educators to encourage reading of all kinds. In order to encourage my future students to become life-long readers, I plan to keep several bookshelves in my classroom full of Young Adult novels and other books. The more books we expose our student to, the more likely they are to read. I've already started buying cheap YA novels at thrift stores! I don't ever remember seeing bookshelves in my classrooms after elementary school, which is sad when you think about it.
I am also going to do my best to incorporate choice into my syllabus. I loved the way that this course was set up. For each week there was a topic, but we got to choose which book we wanted to read. In all my years in school, I’ve never had so much freedom to choose. The simple act of allowing for choice increased our engagement in the novels and in our discussions about them. It also led me to reflect on how and why I choose what I read. I often enjoy reading about characters I like or characters I can identify with. Why would it be any different for teenagers?
I've already started reading some of the other books from the syllabus and that were recommend by Dr. Adams or by students during book talks. As soon as we were done with our readings I started to get bored in the evening :) I've since read Cut and Skim, and I am currently reading and enjoying My Mother the Cheerleader. Next on my list is Purple Heart. I think that next semester I am really going to miss reading and discussing YA lit on a regular basis. I may have to dork out and do a YA book club with friends.
Favorite Reads
The Hunger Games
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Speak
Feed
Maus
Persepolis
Skim
The Absolutely True Diaries of a Part-Time Indian
My Mother the Cheerleader
Child of Dandelions
