Literature analysis for high school

Dawn,

I will sheepishly answer.

My children have always studied literature through the use of a book list. That would be a total of 1,600 – 2,000 pages (it averages out to about 8 books – this meets our state’s standard). Their typical requirement is a 2-4 page book report with character analysis that leads to a life application of their own (my requirement). If I were more on the ball, I would probably add some requirement regarding the writing tools you mentioned.

I choose the books and base my decision on the need of the child. For the most part, the books on their lists are ones that promote character and a closer walk with the Lord. Typically they have to do with the history period they are studying. Sometimes they are books that had to be deleted from the history list because it was too long. That is one way.

Another method we have used is Welcome to the Classics, though just for selections, not cover to cover. I like that book. Currently, we have added Brightest Heaven of Invention for studying Shakespeare. I like that book also. I will likely use these books more thoroughly in the coming years.

Here are couple of criticisms I’ve had from other hs moms regarding my use of character building books: 1)Not all of our books are ‘high literature’ (see Let’s Roll, for example; not high literature, but what a valuable book for our boys, especially!) and 2) Christians (especially during this last election) are being discounted as ignorant and we need to be familiar with the literary greats so that we are conversant on these topics and are no longer seen as ignorant. These are things to think about.

My children have picked up on the writing methods through the years as we’ve discussed/narrated books, plays, and poetry, though we’ve not done a formal study. You will also find that you will get that in the above books I mentioned.

Blessings,

Cindy