The House of Comprehension: Teaching Students the Elements of Literature - Paperback

by Constance D. Casserly (Author)

The House of Comprehension is a complete guide for English Language Arts teachers to help teach students how to understand structure in litera-ture. The elements of literature character, plot/conflict, setting, theme, symbols, point of view, and tone are the building blocks of the house of comprehension. Each element contributes to the entire piece of literature, and students must learn what they all mean in order to fully comprehend the literature. Just like the Three Little Pigs, students need to know how to build strong "houses of comprehension" that expand their knowledge, enhance their perception of the structure of texts, and develop strong reading skills that will last a lifetime. No Big Bad Wolf can blow down a student s house of comprehension once a teacher uses the ideas laid out in this book The House of Comprehension is a must-have text for teaching literature in grades 6-9. For new and experienced teachers, this student-tested manual will provide a solid foundation for teaching literature of all kinds. --Megan Trow Garcia, Fulbright New Century Scholar and founder, The Galapagos Project Casserly takes the typical classroom and transforms it into a high-energy learning environment. --Alex Hagerty, secondary English teacher Connie's genius is her ability to create lesson plans that engage not only a student's intellect but also the imagination. --Kathi Hamilton, secondary English teacher

Author Biography

Constance D. Casserly has over 30 years of experience as an English Language Arts teacher in middle and high schools. She has taught Journalism, Creative Writing, and English. For thirteen years, she was responsible for her high school's award-winning literary and art magazine as well as the monthly high school newspaper. Before moving to public schools, Casserly taught in an alternative secondary school for behaviorally disadvantaged adolescents, an adolescent psychiatric hospital, and a boys correctional institution. Casserly is the author of the young adult novel, A Fine Line. She has written several lesson plans published by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).