Approaches to Literature through Subject

Using Approaches to Literature Through Subject , a volume in the Oryx Reading Motivation Series , teachers and librarians can encourage middle school students’ reading interests by subject-linking people, places, things, and events to the factors that influence students to read: sex, age, culture/race, intelligence, and socioeconomic factors. Chapter 1 defines a subject approach, lists the advantages and disadvantages of using a subject approach, and examines attitudes and skills useful to teachers and librarians. Chapter 2 includes the origin of subjects, and methods that can be used to diagnose students’ reading interests and develop interactive discussion groups. Chapters 3-6 are individually subject-specific, and cover (in order) people, places, things, and events. The author chose sources and materials based on a specific set of guidelines: general literary quality and accuracy; availability; readability and interest levels; ethnic, racial and sex-role representation; availability of media support materials; and recommendations in reliable journals and guides. Suggested teaching methods for teaching specific subjects, student activities, and professional and student resources are fully described throughout the book.