I am inclined to find this book almost as engaging as the Gallagher text, as it is also designed to be a very useful tool for teachers of high school ELA. I really enjoyed the examples of the different teachers and their ideas for incorporating literary theory in ways that are sometimes subtle, and gently woven into the day to day learning. I also liked the section on different perspectives, and the recasting of roles in such literature as nursery rhymes (ie Humpty Dumpty). The idea that there is usually more than one side to every story resonates with an article I had to read for EFDT 101"Shifting from Neutral" by Kelly, that explored teachers and their stances on controversial issues. The idea that a teacher can remain neutral (which I’ve come to accept as not desirable or possible), is emphasized for me in this reading, as I’m reminded that in literature we all take something different away, and interpret what we’ve read through our own lens (personal experience). When considering sensitive, difficult issues, we must remember that everyone has their own opinion and viewpoint. However as is stressed in CE, it's important for students to move beyond their own perspectives to consider that of others. Another powerful point I think is that it is not simply the teacher but the students and teacher together who construct the theoretical framework of the classroom. I loved the description of one teacher's handout on Literary Theories that changes every year with a "collective reconsideration"
I agree that the text is designed to be a useful tool for high school ELA teachers. I really like that about the text. It isn't just a useless text that we will read and never use again. The different examples and ideas for teaching literary theory are techniques that we can use once we become teachers. The appendix of classroom activities in the back are activities that can actually be used when teaching. Also, the literary theory cards are helpful for those who are not familiar with the theories because they provide a summary of each different theory and strategies for incorporating them.
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