At the best of times I find it really hard to choose the right text. My Level 2 English class are currently in the half way stage for their second extended text study (Paul Greene's The Fault in Our Stars). Initially I thought that this text would be great for my class. It is an approved text, it is centered around two young adults who are living with cancer - the film adaptation was popular especially with the teenage audience. However I found that the text has not resonated with the students. It has become a bit of a drag. The feedback that I received from the students is that they did not understand most of what they were reading specifically there was too much description on things that did not relate to the theme or character (a focus for us with this particular novel study). Personally I like the text but I can see the disconnect between the text and my readers. I can see how they have switched off and I know that in order for them to see the value in reading, they need texts that are not only relevant but also Half into the term and with half the text already completed, I am at a point where I can continue with the novel OR change the text.
The pros with continuing with the novel study is that the students have already established some knowledge with the text. There is some understanding of the character and the plot, why not just finish it? I have been down this road before. The convenience of sticking something out because you can is the easy option. However this can impact the overall learning. I am choosing to opt out of the text in favor of another text. Why? I want the students to engage with reading. I want them to experience reading in a way that where they enjoy it but also feel empowered to unpack it and understand it through their own lens. Much of what we do in teaching is about trial and error, we have the luxury to experiment with texts and if it does not work out - that is OK, reflect on it and then find a better solution. Now whether this new text will resonate or connect with the students is another question. I want to give it a go and see if this one is better than the other.
I have come across some texts that could work really well for NCEA Level 2 English. I am going to trial these texts this term for the assessments 91104 (Connections Report) and 91106 (Personal Responses). The English Department are always open to finding new texts that are current and appealing to our students. We have started to collate a list of texts that locally and culturally responsive to our students. This is proving to be a bit of a mission as there is a lot of great local and cultural texts that are perfect for our Junior English program. However there are not many texts with cultural relevance that are appropriate for NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 English. Nonetheless I am, we are - determined to find texts that act as both a mirror and window for our students. Ideally I would love to have texts that are written for and by Maori/Pasefika that are not only appropriate for NCEA English but also help our students connect well with. For now here are some texts that I am going to use with my 201ENG class.
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| Click on the image to access the novel (pdf) |
My students are drawn to texts that are centered around racial discrimination, injustice, dysfunctional dynamics in relationships and family. I am hoping that the students will respond to this text in that it is quite easy to follow through with, it is an easy read and the message in the text is relevant.
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| Click on the image to access the novel (pdf) |
Another text that is an easy read but explores the themes of racism and prejudice.
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