As you grow up, you are taught by various teachers who introduce the world of literature. When you first read these novels, you simply think of them as just assignments, yet as different discussions deepen, these words and stories begin to feel more personal, and you end up seeing it more intently.
English teachers use many banned and controversial books to teach their students lessons about life that they will use to navigate their future.
“I think the importance of exposing students to books that are considered banned to certain people, is that it opens them up to hearing or reading about things that are going to prepare them for the real world,” said Mrs. Conley.
English teachers influence the way their students think. They show their students different forms of literature in order to help guide interpretations and to probe their minds to ask questions.
“We always do the Book Thief, it talks about the German perspective with the Holocaust, but it shows that the Germans were still suffering during that time period,” said Mrs. Schrebe. “It gives kind of the teenage perspective and how the kids were able to survive, form friendships, and find the best of every situation that you kind of end up in.”
These books inform the readers about different internal struggles that young adults can connect with, and it helps them to see multiple ways to handle different situations.
“Right now, we’re reading Catcher in the Rye in which Holden is trying to deal with the journey into adulthood, and the overwhelming feelings of depression that someone his age feels,” said Mrs. Conley. “Which I think really resonates with some of the students, and it shows them that they’re not alone if they are feeling those feelings and the struggles that they’re having.”
English is such an important subject for teenagers because it teaches them the importance of having your own mind and individuality. Literature can shape identity, values, and world views, especially for young minds.
“The mantra of American literature, which is what English 11 is all about, is to be a nonconformist, to always question, to never go along with the crowd, simply because everyone else is doing that,” said Dr. Romick. “That is kind of foundational to our country and is very obvious in all of the American Lit that I do.”
Sometimes the lessons are quite simple or maybe there is no lesson at all, but the students still retain crucial information from consuming these different forms of literature.
“I think that reading has an impact on one’s empathy and ability to relate to those around them and their world,” said Mrs. Nelson. “I’m not necessarily always trying to teach them some sort of lesson, but for them to see themselves in the literature, or if they don’t, they can understand that other people can be influenced by those things.”
While teachers see the impact of literature in their classrooms and guide different discussions, students themselves reflect and recognize the ide as from their own perspectives.
“When I was in English 10, we were assigned Catcher in the Rye which relates to most young readers, including me, because it’s a coming-of-age and is about a teenage boy discovering himself,” said junior, JoeyAna Strothers. “I feel that can relate to me because I’m still discovering myself day by day.”
English teachers do more than assign books and essays, they introduce students to ideas, perspectives, and realities that they might have not thought of before.
“I think that they are relevant to my life as they allow me to apply new perspectives to historical situations along with ongoing happenings in the world right now beyond just entertainment,” said senior, Lucelus Swartz. “The touching romance of Pride and Prejudice had inspired me to base my proposal off of quotes featuring feelings of deep love and affection from the written work and movie.”
Through different novels that discuss hardships, identity, and society, students learn not just about literature but the world around them.
“All of the characters from Animal Farm have shown me what to and not to be like, some of them showed that not standing up for yourself can lead to consequences and others shown that being too controlling can also lead to consequences,” said freshman, Rosie Dobson. “All of these characters have affected my choices in behavior and knowing how to balance control and leadership.”
The novels students read in English class may be forgotten over time, but the way they taught them how to think, question, and ultimately understand others is something they will carry forever.
