DD (10) wants to do literature analysis

[Rhonda in TX]

Since I've confessed here before that I am hopeless at that, I need some sort of curriculum. (I'm working on this weakness, but I'm not there yet.)

She wants to learn about symbolism, themes, etc. I know about Lightning Literature, but I think that's too old for her. I need something age-appropriate, and not too time-consuming. This is an extra, just because she wants to do it.

Suggestions?

[Chris in VA]

What sort of books is she reading? There are lots of guides out there for books like Anne of Green Gables and Treasure Island, if that's her thing. For a very simple approach, you could make sure you cover setting (time and place), character, symbolism, motif--you can even look up the Spark Notes online to see what they say.

[HollyDay]

Well, there are a few options. Progeny Press has some lit guides. You could check and see if if there are any books guides they carry that you guys might enjoy reading.

I am assuming your 10 yr old is about 5-6 grade?? Lightening Lit 7 is supposed to be a good program. BJU 7 gas a good program.

[HollyDay]

One more thought - DITHOR??

[dragons in the flower bed]

She wants to learn about symbolism, themes, etc. I know about Lightning Literature, but I think that's too old for her. I need something age-appropriate, and not too time-consuming. This is an extra, just because she wants to do it.

There's a great stand alone worktext, with a seemingly random title, which I purchased from Rainbow Resource last year. Figuratively Speaking by Delana Heidrich, published by The Learning Works. It introduces 40 literary terms -- denotation and connotation, imagery, paradox, satire and parody and farce, local color, mood and tone, conflict, foreshadowing -- using very brief excerpts from mostly modern classics or well known children's books. It uses a simple worksheet page format. There are three pages on each term. You read the definition, see it in action in a brief excerpt. Do some exercises like finding the quote which demonstrates the concept, then there's a writing prompt or suggestion. It's suggested for fifth to eighth grades, and I believe a ten-year-old could work through it independently in about 10 minutes a day.

[Rhonda in TX]

What sort of books is she reading? There are lots of guides out there for books like Anne of Green Gables and Treasure Island, if that's her thing. For a very simple approach, you could make sure you cover setting (time and place), character, symbolism, motif--you can even look up the Spark Notes online to see what they say.

I meant to mention this in my post. She's a strong reader and willing to read just about anything. She hasn't read Anne of Green Gables, so that might be a good one. She's said she wants to do more "serious" literature. Would "Anne" qualify?

[Rhonda in TX]

Well, there are a few options. Progeny Press has some lit guides. You could check and see if if there are any books guides they carry that you guys might enjoy reading.

I am assuming your 10 yr old is about 5-6 grade?? Lightening Lit 7 is supposed to be a good program. BJU 7 gas a good program.

She's in 4th grade. She turned 10 back in February.

One more thought - DITHOR??

I've seen DITHOR mentioned, but I haven't paid much attention. What is it?

[Rhonda in TX]

There's a great stand alone worktext, with a seemingly random title, which I purchased from Rainbow Resource last year. Figuratively Speaking by Delana Heidrich, published by The Learning Works. It introduces 40 literary terms -- denotation and connotation, imagery, paradox, satire and parody and farce, local color, mood and tone, conflict, foreshadowing -- using very brief excerpts from mostly modern classics or well known children's books. It uses a simple worksheet page format. There are three pages on each term. You read the definition, see it in action in a brief excerpt. Do some exercises like finding the quote which demonstrates the concept, then there's a writing prompt or suggestion. It's suggested for fifth to eighth grades, and I believe a ten-year-old could work through it independently in about 10 minutes a day.

I'll look into that, but I am really so hopeless at this, that I may need more hand-holding. :tongue_smilie:

Thanks for the suggestion.

[Sue G in PA]

*I* think it is a good lit program. I just posted a question asking the hive's thoughts on it being busywork or beneficial. I wouldn't call it deep literary analysis, but it does cover the basic elements of character, setting, conflict, etc. Each DITHOR book covers 9 generes and you get to choose the books that you use with it. That is a plus. It's NOT difficult and it might fit the bill for a child looking to do this sort of thing. Sounds like it might be a good fit for your dd if you choose not to go the individual lit study guide route. Check it out at www.heartofdakota.com

For my boys who are already reluctant readers...DITHOR seemed like too much work, but as I stated in my post...I think I'm coddling them too much. School isn't all about what THEY want and what THEY like, KWIM? Oh, DITHOR has 3 different levels: 2/3, 4/5 and 6-8. We have 4/5 and it's very doable for a 10 yo.

[Lori D.]

Figuratively Speaking is a fun resource to go through together. It is 40 literary elements, each covered in 3 pages, so it only takes 10 minutes to do one, maybe twice a week. The layout of each is the same:
- definition of the literary element
- examples of the literary element out of classic works of literature
- short, simple, fun exercises to practice using or picking out that literary element
- optional writing assignment or activity


It's a great resource for at least exposing you to various terms like metaphor, alliteration, mood, irony, etc., and you'll be surprised how you start to SEE those literary terms at work in the literature you read. : ) Anyways, if interested, see table of contents and sample page at: www.rainbowresource.com


Enjoy your literature journey! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[MIch elle]

Christian Light Reading

[nestof3]

I love Progeny Press guides!

Being cheap, I often print free ones off the internet though.