Approaches to Integrating Literature

Literary based Approaches to Integration

Being a novice teacher, I was undecided about what approaches that I could use to integrate literature in the curriculum. Now however, having been exposed to much literature and engaging in discussions on the subject matter, I now have a better understanding as to how I can integrate literature into the curriculum.

In an article entitled “What’s the Big Idea? Integrated young adult literature in the Middle School” written by Marshall A. George. He explores how young adult literature is being integrated into the curriculum by different teachers in various middle schools.

Firstly, he spoke of teachers approaching the curriculum thematically. A thematic approach can best be explained as the use of young adult literature to explore a theme or issue that face teachers and students. The choice of materials is not limited as a teacher may decide to use novels or multiple genres, for example, one teacher decided to explore the theme ‘responsibility’ a teacher collected all the materials and was able to create her first thematic genre unit plan.; ‘Coping with responsibilities.’  When exploring the curriculum thematically, Teachers should ensure that the theme selected is one that students; are familiar with and one which will capture their interest. By so doing, learning becomes a more meaningful experience for the students.

Furthermore, many teachers have now become to implement an interdisciplinary approach to literature. According to George (2001) an interdisciplinary approach is where teachers from various disciplines collaborate with English/ literature teachers to explore ideas and concepts with their students.  One advantage of the interdisciplinary approach is that it helps break down the divisions which exist in the school curriculum.

Another approach which can be used to integrate young adult literature into curriculum is ‘the genre approach’. This approach involves the use of specific genres for example fiction, poetry, tragedy to teach literature. According to Restrepo, (1988) “when students study one genre of literature at a time, this helps widen their interest”. She also noted that in using this approach books must not be considered in isolation but as part of a larger section in literature. In a similar light, Bosma, (1981) spoke of the idea of using the genre approach in literature by designing a unit on folktales.

Having gained knowledge of the various approaches, I am on my way to be able to plan more effectively, to make literature a better experience for my students.

References

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/s/literature-based-lesson.htm

http://www.techtrekers.com/Thematic.htm

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:vZUyIL6__5kJ:gets.gc.k12.va.us/mas/VAAP/TEACHING%2520PROCESS/Planning%2520Forms/ThematicUnits07.pdf+literature+lessons+using+a+thematic+approach&hl=en&gl=vc&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShZAvJFdYjk3aNL4lxgRnC5a4hsVoWd0_JI6foHB-2p9gY4JslJq2sA2Jw3QMlMDuAaRppTnRYTKwtrejNvuH9MYbK3WdpbaRwFxEJ9zNptnvwW6-QbpU9Nbqa3AsO3STJyMMBr&sig=AHIEtbRVqbGa2D_OVJN5Ymwh3mIPVL1iFw