Hi all, I used to be called the "Death" teacher because my students felt that all the novels and short stories we taught had to do with loss and death. When we looked at the curriculum, it had more to do with choices made and regretted.
I think that literature does have that element in it because death, literally and figuratively, leaves us as humans with feelings of uncertainty. We all know we will die, but its the when, where, why that befuddles us. In a lot of ways, no matter our color or culture, death and feelings associated with it unites us as humans. I think about times that I have been at parties and how when conversations spin to someone's untimely demise, people gather to listen. It causes an outpouring of emotions and hugs from people who are normally not outwardly huggers. I guess what I am saying is that literature reflects what we as humans grapple with. Death and loss are two big ones! I can't wait to hear others thoughts! Patty Patricia Sankey Reading Specialist Templeton Middle School >>> "Bill IVEY" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 4/24/2007 7:50 AM >>> Hi! Yesterday, during study hall, some of the 8th graders started commenting on how all the books they were required to read this year were really depressing. The 7th graders chimed in and said they felt the same, which took me aback because I had been trying to avoid precisely that syndrome. But sure enough, nearly every book I mentioned, they had solid reasons why the book was sad (even if ultimately hopeful and optimistic). They also said that was no problem, that all good books are probably that way, that they wouldn't be interesting otherwise. Well. There's something to chew on. Would you all agree that "good literature" (whatever that means... that's a whole different conversation!) is inevitably sad? As you look at your own group novel choices, do you see the same syndrome we have in our school? And, if it does indeed exist, is this a syndrome which "should" be broken and if so how? Take care, Bill Ivey Stoneleigh-Burnham School _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
