Subjects: Contemporary

Explores criteria for selecting literature for theme units. The Studio Class reviews the components of a good thematic language arts unit, emphasizing the five features that aid teachers in selecting the right book for the unit. Also included are the five steps to meaningful Readers’ Theater activities and sources for finding scripts and support material. A demonstration of Readers’ Theater is offered in a videotaped presentation of “Lincoln: in His Own Words”.

Summarizes how culture, tradition, and stereotyping influence young adult literature. This class examines how literature serves as an agent for socialization for young people, how the current media culture is influencing reader expectations, and how the business of publishing is shaping literary offerings to the young. The use of short stories in the classroom is also discussed. Studio Guest: Dr. Diane DuBose Brunner (Michigan State University).

Offers criteria for evaluating historical literature. Studio Class discussion centers on such topics as the place of political correctness in period literature, the delicate balance between literary license and historical accuracy, and the educational value of literature from a perspective of history. Studio Guest: Dr. Diane DuBose Brunner (Michigan State University).

Establishes guidelines for incorporating dramatics in the classroom. This lesson covers various approaches to fostering classroom dramatics. Topics include role-playing, improvisation, choral reading and Readers’ Theater. Discussion also touches on ways to encourage classroom students to write and produce original dramatic works for audio or video recording.

Models dramatic use of literature in the classroom. The play “Fences” is used to demonstrate how drama can be used in the classroom. Students and professional actors recreate a scene from the play and discuss the play as a whole. A local teacher shares her process for transitioning her English students into drama study. Studio Guest: Cheryl Hague, Teacher (Crete-Monee High School, IL) and University Lecturer (Governor State University).

Explores how drama enhances the appreciation of poetry. The Studio Class builds on previous lessons, outlining the concepts important to good dramatic poetry reading. Concepts include proper performance modeling, unison and scripted poetry reading, the physical and psychological elements of performance, and ideas for incorporating the additional disciplines of dance and movement. Studio Guests: Rodney Bowling and Stephanie Kirk of Poetry Alive, Inc.

Discusses strategies for incorporating ideas presented in the previous lesson. The ideas discussed in Class 11 are expanded to include a protocol for memorizing, reciting, and performing poetry. Topics include how to script and/or score poetry for reading, how to stage a performance, how to build reading teams, how to follow up performance with meaningful analysis, and how to build on student interest and enthusiasm. The educational value of poetry performance is discussed. Studio Guests: Rodney Bowling and Stephanie Kirk of Poetry Alive, Inc.

Emphasizes the need to meet readers at their current level. Viewers meet Dr. Muhammad and the Studio Class. Discussion centers on the stages of literary appreciation manifested from birth through adulthood.