Literature
Presented by Wendy Calise
The literature workshop has been designed to address more specifically how to present the substance of literary study. One of the most important aspects of this work is the introduction of the vocabulary of literature. In order for the elementary child to fully appreciate the historical development of writing and the eventual complexity of form that mankind created over thousands of years, he must have the language to describe what he is reading. Reading is an activity of pleasure in its own right, but the children find further joy in developing an appreciation of the many forms of literature and an understanding of their construction.
This workshop is designed for 9-12 teachers, though some of it is appropriate for younger children as well. Topics covered include:
- Classification and elements of literature
- Classification and elements of fiction
- Classification and elements of short fiction
- Genres of fiction
- How to conduct the study of a novel in a book group format
- Introduction to Literary terms including setting, plot, antagonist, protagonist, theme, plot structure, etc…
- Reading and analysis of poetry with use of literary terms including repetition, assonance, meter, personification, form, simile, metaphor, imagery, etc…
- Examination of non-fiction and the authors’ varying purposes for writing
