Teaching English as a foreign language means a great challenge which would certainly be answered by all English teachers in the affirmative. Today every school in Germany offers English as school subject, even the primary schools. Consequently it must be put great emphasis on teaching it accurately by taking into consideration any aspect of English language acquisition when learning it, for example the acquisition of a distinctive vocabulary, the ability to use grammar rules correctly, the ability to spell correctly, the ability to understand what is been said when native speakers talk in English which we call listening comprehension. Another very important part of learning English as a foreign language is undisputedly reading comprehension. The ability to read out correctly, to understand what is been read and to be able to work with a text effectively is not only a competence that should be concentrated on in the foreign language but also in the mother tongue. The PISA Study is a perfect proof of this which will be mentioned later on. In this paper I will try to accentuate the importance and significance of reading in the English class.
In order to illustrate this I will introduce the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, an American author and doctor with Afghan origins, and use it for the elaboration of the importance of reading activities in the English class. Initially I will focus on the didactic analysis which includes the reference to the syllabus. The syllabus is of course the signpost in terms of guidelines when planning the lessons, choosing age-appropriate media and methods. What role does reading play in this context? What is said in the syllabus when it comes to reading? The next step would be to explain why I have chosen A Thousand Splendid Suns in this context. For what reason I am of the opinion that it can be read in the grade and school given below. I also focus on the topics that can be made use of in class when working with the novel, which aspects given in the text could be used to discuss it with pupils. Then the novel will be summarized in short by also taking into account the author's vita in short to have a better understanding of what is important in the usage of the book.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Didactic Analysis
- Reference to Syllabus
- Purpose of Lesson Plan
- Summary of the novel
- Methodical Analysis
- Portrayal of the procedure
- Lesson Plan of lessons 1-12
- Detailed Lesson Plan
- Résumé
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The primary objective of this seminar paper is to explore the didactic and methodical considerations of using the novel "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini in an English class. This analysis focuses on integrating the novel into the tenth grade Realschule curriculum and examining its suitability for fostering reading comprehension and developing essential language skills.
- The importance of reading in the English class and its role in developing reading competence.
- The suitability of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" as a text for tenth grade Realschule students, considering age appropriateness, theme, and language level.
- Exploring the didactic and methodical aspects of using the novel in the classroom, including the design and implementation of lesson plans.
- The potential of the novel to enhance reading comprehension and encourage discussions on themes relevant to teenagers.
- Analyzing the novel's effectiveness in promoting language acquisition and providing authentic reading material.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the context for this analysis by highlighting the significance of reading comprehension in English language acquisition. It emphasizes the need for age-appropriate texts and engaging themes that resonate with students. The chapter further discusses the importance of establishing a reading culture and the challenges posed by a lack of reading motivation among children.
The didactic analysis delves into the theoretical framework for using the novel in the classroom. It examines the relevant syllabus guidelines for tenth grade Realschule, highlighting the emphasis on interpreting authentic texts and developing reading skills. The section also analyzes the suitability of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" for this context, considering its thematic relevance and language level.
The methodical analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the lesson plan designed for twelve lessons. This section focuses on the practical aspects of implementing the novel in the classroom, including the sequence of activities, the duration of text work, and the use of various motivational methods.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This analysis focuses on the key concepts of reading comprehension, English language acquisition, didactic analysis, methodical analysis, lesson plan development, and the use of authentic texts in the classroom. The analysis highlights the novel "A Thousand Splendid Suns" as a suitable text for tenth grade Realschule students, considering its thematic relevance, language level, and potential to foster reading comprehension and engage students in meaningful discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is reading comprehension so important in English as a foreign language?
Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill for language acquisition. It helps students build vocabulary, understand grammar in context, and effectively work with authentic texts, which is essential for academic and real-world success.
Is "A Thousand Splendid Suns" suitable for 10th-grade students?
Yes, the novel is suitable for 10th-grade Realschule students because it addresses relevant themes like human rights, resilience, and history, while maintaining an accessible language level for advanced learners.
How can teachers motivate students to read authentic English novels?
Motivation can be fostered by choosing age-appropriate media, using engaging pre-reading activities, and connecting the novel's themes to the students' own lives and global issues.
What role does the syllabus play in selecting classroom literature?
The syllabus acts as a signpost, providing guidelines on age-appropriate media, required competencies, and the types of authentic texts that should be interpreted in the classroom.
What is the focus of the lesson plan for Khaled Hosseini's novel?
The lesson plan focuses on a 12-lesson sequence that includes didactic analysis, methodical text work, and activities designed to enhance reading competence and encourage meaningful discussions.
- Citation du texte
- Ayse Gökce (Auteur), 2011, The significance of reading in the English class. A lesson plan with Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/171465
