English Problems in the Solving; For the Junior and Senior High Schools (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER FOUR INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE The Choice of Literature. The Teaching of Literature. The Problem of Reading. Imitation a Means of Appreciation. Dramatization a Means of Appreciation. THE CHOICE OF LITERATURE What are the factors that are to be considered in choosing books for junior and senior high-school study and reading? The problem is a psychological one. It is all-important that we catch the interest of the student at the beginning of his course in literature, for only through interest shall we be able to establish the reading habit which is so essential an asset in the life of the pupil after a little while, and which will help him to use, not misuse, his leisure moments now as they come into his life from day to day. The psychology of the high-school student then must be understood by the planner of a literature course. First, the desires of the student must be studied; his natural bent must be discovered. Next, the question of interest must be considered. Has the book the power to rouse the interest in the pupil at his particular stage of development? Content or subject matter is of paramount importance--more so than literary style in the beginning. Does the content appeal to the student? Is it within his range of experience? Or can it function vicariously in the life of the student? 112 Test the book next'for its human element. The boy or girl of this age demands the genuine human touch in what he or she reads. These are the points to be considered in the literature through which we make our approach, the books which are to serve as our point of departure. Then we must weigh the character needs and the culture needs of our students and select with these, needs in mind. While we may use the pupil's desire as a point of attack, we shoul...