Blog Four

The Literature Based Approach

            The Literature Based Approach to instruction deals with the use of original narrative and expository works of authors. These are being used as the foundation for experiences on which the development of adolescents’ literacy will be supported. The activities done with the learners using the literature are natural, as they reflect a reader’s response to reading a good novel for example. A reader who enjoys a good novel would naturally speak about it enthusiastically to other persons. The Literature Based Approach seeks to cultivate within learners this kind of reaction while developing reading, writing and thinking skills. In the secondary English classroom, the use of authentic, published literature is slowly becoming the norm. Young Adult Literature is being used as the basis on which literacy instruction is carried out. Three popular models of the Literature Based Approach used to do this outlined by Gunning (2000), are Core Literature Programs, Text Sets and Thematic Units.

            Core Literature Programs involve the selection of a variety of books to be used for intensive reading purposes. These books may be read as a class or in groups, and provides students a common ground from which they can generate conversations about texts. These books also provide a reference point for which students can compare and contrast them. Students’ reading interests and choices are considered and serve as a major advantage for this model. Core Literature programs also allows the books to be presented in a variety of ways, such as read alouds and partner reading, which help to bring the literature experience to life.




Sources:
http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/res/literacy/lit_ins0.html

http://198.214.141.66/cgi-bin/mysql/buildingreading.cgi?showrecord=17&l=description