Deepening Thinking with Comparison: Literature Studies for Teens
I’m guest posting again on Bright Ideas Press! This time I’m sharing tips for using comparison to mine the depths of a story. Here’s a little teaser, but make sure to hop on over to read the full article.
When you approach a study of literature with teens, it's good to start with identifying the setting, plot, and theme. Those are the basic elements for understanding any story you're reading. Once you've become comfortable in identifying these aspects of a story, you can continue to encourage deeper thought by utilizing comparison.
How Is Comparison A Good Thing?
Teens are natural at comparison. They are constantly comparing themselves with others or to another ideal. They are generally considering whether someone is smarter, prettier, uglier, taller, thinner, more athletic, etc. You can take advantage of this practiced skill to deepen their thinking about literature.
But how is it a good thing? The current model for utilizing comparison is shallow and based on appearances. It's a quick judgement. That doesn't make the concept of comparing a bad thing, just the way it is being used. By giving your teens the tools to think deeply with comparison in literature, you can call their thinking to a higher standard.
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This post is part of a series of posts about Literature Studies for Teens. Read other posts here:
- Unlocking the Plot: Literature Studies for Teens
- Asking Questions About Setting: Literature Studies for Teens
- Do I Sense a Theme Here: Literature Studies for Teens
Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.