Young Adult Literature Class Is a Space for Student Choice BY RITA STUBBS

In her class, students pick which book they want to read. Then, they are given fun assignments to do which correlate with the book. In addition, there is much discussion of texts in class.

Young Adult Literature Class Is a Space for Student Choice 

BY RITA STUBBS

The 2016-2017 school year was Mrs. Murray’s first time running a Young Adult Literature class, YA Lit for short. She was very excited to teach this class, as she has a love for reading. Her vision for this class was to be similar to a book club, with group reading and discussion.

 

In her class, students pick which book they want to read. Then, they are given fun assignments to do which correlate with the book. In addition, there is much discussion of texts in class.

Towards the end of the semester, the students are challenged with picking an individual text. After reading, they decide whether or not the book could be a potential contender for a CHS  summer reading selections. Through presentations and in depth conversation, the texts are analyzed deeply.

Mrs. Murray then serves as a spokesperson for the class to the English Department and other CHS teachers and administrators.. She presents our book ideas and ideas for assessments. For those who feel they don’t have much of a voice in the school, taking the YA Literature class changes that.

Her class provides a space for pleasure reading, when oftentimes students don’t have the time to read books of their choice. Students have an opportunity to share their ideas and hear others. Mrs. Murray’s first year of this class has been a great success!