How to Help Students Better Understand Classic Novels

One way is to read slowly and carefully. Make sure to look up any words you don't know. For example, if you're reading 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and come across an old - fashioned word, find its meaning. Another is to discuss the book with classmates or in a book club. You can share different views on the characters and plot.

Intermediate historical fiction can make history more accessible. For example, it can bring historical events to life through fictional characters. Students can relate to the characters' emotions and experiences, which makes the historical context more understandable.

You could also look at 'Physics of the Impossible' by Michio Kaku. It looks at things that seem impossible from a current perspective but might be possible in the future according to the laws of physics. It makes students think about the boundaries of physics and how far our knowledge can take us. For high school students, it can be very inspiring as they start to explore the vast world of physics.

Historical fiction in 10th grade can bring history to life. For example, when reading about a character living during the Civil War in a historical fiction book, students can understand the emotions, the daily struggles, and the social context better than just reading dry facts from a textbook. It makes the past more relatable.

High school historical fiction can make history more engaging. For example, a story set in the Civil War can bring the battles and the people's emotions to life in a way a textbook can't. It allows students to see history from different perspectives, like through the eyes of a soldier or a civilian.

They can start by reading the stories carefully, maybe more than once. Pay attention to the characters, their motives and how they develop throughout the story. For example, in 'Romeo and Juliet', understanding Romeo's impulsive nature and Juliet's loyalty helps a lot.

To better understand these novels, students should first familiarize themselves with the historical and cultural context in which the novels were written. For example, understanding the social hierarchies in Victorian England can greatly help in understanding novels like 'Pride and Prejudice'. They should read actively, asking questions about the characters' motives and the author's intentions. Another important aspect is analyzing the language used. University English novels often have complex sentence structures and archaic words. By breaking down sentences and looking up word meanings, students can gain a deeper understanding. Moreover, they can try to relate the themes of the novels to their own lives or modern - day situations to make the stories more relevant and easier to comprehend.

History novels are often full of details about the time period. They can show the social norms, the way people talked, and the cultural aspects. For instance, a novel about the Victorian era might describe the strict etiquette and the fashion of that time. Also, they can tell the stories of ordinary people, not just the big events. This gives a more complete view of history. They can bring historical figures to life, like how a novel about Alexander the Great can make him seem more like a real person with emotions and motives rather than just a name in a history book.

Historical novels can show us the daily life of people in the past. For example, in a historical novel about the Middle Ages, we can learn about the food they ate, the clothes they wore, and the houses they lived in. This gives a more vivid picture than just reading dry historical facts.

First, they can start by reading the novels more than once. For example, with 'The Great Gatsby', the first read might just be about following the plot, but the second read allows you to pick up on all the symbolism. Second, they should discuss the novels in class or in study groups. Hearing different perspectives on a book like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' can really open up new ways of thinking about it.