----- Original Message -----
From: "Esther Revivo" <estherrv@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ask@xxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2006 11:58 AM
Subject: RE: literature]
Hello! I have been teaching English for 29 years, but only recently for the bagrut. (Since the NBA was born.) Hence I am far from an expert on literature. I can only relay what I do and the pupils' response. I teach the weak 4 pointers and 3 pointers. Hence, I go for short stories and poems. Since I teach girls, they enjoy reading "Eveline' by James Joyce ( in "Talking about Literature") which revolves around the topics of love, disappointment, expectations, poverty, etc. I usually choose several of the poems I teach according to the class I have. For weaker pupils, I love (and they enjoy) Thurber's poetry (from the Norton Anthology) as they are often humorous. Last year I had an excellent junior class which enjoyed "A Summer's Reading" by Malamud. This year, as I teach in an Ulpana, I plan to teach that same class an excerpt from the long (400 or so pages) of "Go, Go My Son," (by Chaim Shapira) which was recently published in a shortened version by Eric Cohen books. It is a moving true account of a young man's travels evading the Nazis' during WW2 and the miracles he experienced. I am certain that as this is particularly meaningful to religious pupils. For those who teach in the mamlachti and Arab sectors, I am certain that there is English literature out there that is relevant and would be meaningful to your pupils. THAT is the key! Choosing something YOU are motivated about, that you think your pupils will enjoy and "infecting" them with your enthusiasm. Otherwise, learning literature can be boring as $%^%$&^#& as we all experienced in our youth. (I remember learning by heart "Charge of the Light Brigade" and other boring things which I felt had no importance or connection to my life.) I loved learning English lit. in college due to superb professors who chose great material, and once again taught with enthusiasm, led good group discussions; etc. I hope that I was of some help to someone. To new teachers I would suggest reading through "Talking About Literature" by Eric Cohen, and see which if any would be good for YOUR pupils. Good luck! Esther Revivo, Ulpanat Tzvia Sedot Negev, Netivot
I would like to join Ahmad's request for a comprehensive list of recommended literature pieces (short stories, poems, literary essays, plays, novels, Non-Fiction prose).
I know most experienced teachers have their personal favorites and also pieces they are fed up with (see Barry's unforgettable play "I suppose they were all my sons" :) … as a relatively new teacher in high-school I believe such a list would be extremely useful.
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