As high school lit teachers?

Question

As a high school lit teacher do you read the new fads in literature (ie, Twilight) to try and make concepts more relatable?

Do you think it would be a good idea?

Or do you try to suggest genuinely good writing that isn't on the curriculum but not necessarily what is big in the "teen" market right now?

Answer 1

Personally, I don't want to read 'pulp fiction' and I don't want to motivate my students to read them. But there was a time when I asked my students to read those kind of reading materials when I'm teaching 'intertextuality'. I asked them to choose one novel from romantic era and one from 'new fads literature' and asked them to examine or criticize the text through the other text...

I think it is a good idea because they appreciate the classic more...

Until now, I still encourage my student to read those 'genuinely good writing' but as long as they are reading and using their ability to read (because as of now, we are having a problem with aliteracy -- people know how to read but don't want to read) I will not stop them from reading those 'pulp fictions'.

Answer 2

I have my students read whatever they want for independent reading, with the understanding that they need to bring the same level of critical thinking to Twilight that they to The Stranger.

I certainly don't always read great works of literature, and I think it is important that students realize that books are for pleasure, and that there is nothing wrong with curling up with a detective novel or fluffy chick lit book if you want.  

At the same time, I hope that they can recognize the difference between good writing and bad writing, and that over time they will gravitate towards the good writing.

We don't read young adult lit as part of the curriculum, but it is certainly a valid type of writing, and has it's place.  In the past I have taught The Lovely Bones in my senior English class and the student response has always been very positive.