Literature
The Art of Excerpts: Reasons Teachers Use Them in Reading Instruction
The Art of Excerpts: Reasons Teachers Use Them in Reading Instruction
When planning and delivering reading instruction, teachers often face numerous challenges, including time constraints, copyright issues, budget limitations, and standardized testing pressures. In such scenarios, excerpts instead of complete texts become a practical solution for effective teaching. This article explores the various reasons behind why teachers choose to use excerpts in their reading instruction, drawing from real-world examples and educational theories.
1. Time Constraints and Curriculum Pressure
One of the most common reasons for using excerpts is the sheer amount of material teachers must cover within a limited timeframe. High school and college curricula are packed with important texts, and sometimes, the required material exceeds the available instructional time. For instance, classics like Homer's The Iliad, Petrarch's Lives, or contemporary novels, may be too extensive to be read in full during a single instructional period.
The movie Freedom Writers depicts a scenario where a teacher struggles to find enough time to cover all the material prescribed by the curriculum. This is a relatable issue for many educators who often find themselves racing against the clock to provide a comprehensive education. By using excerpts, teachers can ensure that students are exposed to the most significant and impactful parts of a text, without sacrificing valuable instructional time.
2. Exposure to Important Works
Another reason for using excerpts is to introduce students to important literary works that, while significant, might be too lengthy or challenging for students to read in their entirety. By carefully selecting excerpts that capture the essence and significance of a work, teachers can help students understand the importance of the text and its relevance to modern times. For example, instead of reading The Iliad in its entirety, teachers might choose key passages that illustrate the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and warfare, ensuring that students grasp the core message while saving time for other important literary works.
3. Differentiation and Engagement
Using excerpts also allows teachers to differentiate instruction and engage all students, regardless of prior knowledge or interest. In a mixed-ability classroom, some students may have already read the text, while others may be new to the material. By providing excerpts, teachers can address the needs of both groups without creating a punitive environment. For example, if part of the class has already read a text, an excerpt that includes a critical part of the story can be shared with the entire class to maintain engagement and ensure that all students are on the same page.
4. Motivating Independent Reading
Excerpts can serve as a thrilling starting point that motivates students to read the full text on their own. By selecting a teasing excerpt that piques students' interest, teachers can create a sense of curiosity and excitement, encouraging students to read the entire work outside of class. This strategy is particularly useful in fostering a love for reading and promoting independent learning. For instance, in Freedom Writers, the teacher uses excerpts to create a desire in students to read the full book, thus enhancing their engagement with the material.
Benefits of Using Excerpts
Using excerpts in reading instruction offers numerous benefits. They allow teachers to cover more ground in less time, expose students to important literary works, and cater to diverse learning needs. By carefully selecting excerpts, teachers can ensure that the material is accessible, relevant, and engaging for their students.
Key Takeaways:
Time constraints require teachers to use excerpts to cover essential material efficiently. Excerpts introduce students to important works, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature. Excerpts help teachers differentiate instruction and maintain student engagement. Excerpts motivate students to read the full text, thereby promoting independent learning and a love for reading.By thoughtfully implementing excerpts in their reading instruction, teachers can enhance the learning experience and ensure that students receive a comprehensive education that is both challenging and engaging.
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