How a Literature Course Can Target These Areas

A literature course is an ideal vehicle to address these missing areas because

it naturally integrates reading, discussion, and analysis, providing a rich
context for language development. Below, I explain how each area can be
targeted through specific literature course activities, designed for
intermediate learners (e.g., grades 3-5) but adaptable for other levels.

1. Vocabulary Development
• Course Integration: Literature exposes students to diverse, context-
rich words through novels, poems, and short stories. For example,
reading a novel like Charlotte’s Web introduces words like “humble,”
“radiant,” and “languish,” which vary in complexity.
• Activities:
• Word Journals: Students maintain a journal to record 5-10 new
words per chapter (e.g., “humble” from Charlotte’s Web), noting
definitions, synonyms, and a sentence using each word. For
example: “Humble means modest; Charlotte was humble about her
web.”
• Context Clues Exercises: Students identify meanings of
unfamiliar words (e.g., “radiant” in “radiant web”) using
surrounding text, discussing in groups to reinforce understanding.
• Word Games: Play vocabulary games like crossword puzzles or
“synonym match” with words from the text (e.g., match “radiant”
to “glowing”), making learning engaging.
• Outcome: Students build a broader, nuanced vocabulary, improving
their ability to express ideas in writing and speech while enhancing
reading comprehension.

2. Reading Comprehension and Analysis

• Course Integration: Literature courses center on reading and
interpreting texts, making them perfect for teaching students to identify
main ideas, themes, and author intent. For example, analyzing The Lion,
the Witch and the Wardrobe helps students explore themes like sacrifice
or good vs. evil.
• Activities:
• Discussion Questions: After reading a chapter, students answer
questions like “What is the main idea of this scene?” or “Why does
Aslan sacrifice himself?” to practice summarizing and analyzing.
• Theme Mapping: Students create a visual map of themes (e.g.,
courage in The Hobbit), linking examples from the text to support
their analysis, such as Bilbo’s encounter with Gollum.
• Reader Response Journals: Students write reflections on a text’s
meaning, e.g., “How does the setting in The Secret Garden affect
Mary’s character?” to develop critical thinking.
 • Outcome: Students gain skills to understand and evaluate texts deeply,
enhancing their ability to engage with literature and apply analytical
skills to other subjects.

3. Oral Communication and Listening

• Course Integration: Literature provides opportunities for discussion,
presentations, and dramatic readings, fostering speaking and listening
skills. For example, performing scenes from A Wrinkle in Time
encourages clear pronunciation and expressive delivery.
• Activities:
• Book Discussions: Students participate in small-group
discussions about a text (e.g., “What motivates Matilda in
Matilda?”), practicing active listening and articulating responses.
• Oral Presentations: Students present a summary or character
analysis (e.g., “Describe Frodo’s role in The Lord of the Rings”),
focusing on clear speech and responding to peer questions.
• Dramatic Readings: Students read aloud passages or perform
short scenes from a text, practicing pronunciation and intonation
(e.g., acting out a dialogue from Harry Potter).
• Outcome: Students improve fluency, confidence in speaking, and the
ability to listen actively, enhancing their communication skills for
academic and social contexts.

Notes
• Why Literature?: A literature course naturally integrates these skills by
engaging students with rich texts that provide context for vocabulary,
opportunities for analysis, and platforms for verbal expression,
complementing spelling, composition, and grammar.
• Adaptability: Activities can be tailored for different ages (e.g., simpler
texts like The Very Hungry Caterpillar for younger students, complex
texts like To Kill a Mockingbird for older students).
• Holistic Learning: Combining these activities in a literature course
ensures students develop a well-rounded command of English,
addressing gaps in comprehension, expression, and communication.
Recommended Books for Literature
Course (K-12) Fiction

Kindergarten to Grade 2
1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: Simple text with words like
“cocoon” supports vocabulary and retelling.
2. Corduroy by Don Freeman: A bear’s adventure introduces words like
“button” for discussion.
3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak: Imaginative tale with
“rumpus” fosters oral storytelling.
4. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault:
Alphabet story with playful words for group readings.
5. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats: Descriptive words like “crisp”
encourage sensory discussions.
6. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss: Rhyming text with words like
“anywhere” builds vocabulary and oral fluency.
7. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss: Fun narrative with “mischief” supports
comprehension and dramatic readings.
8. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff: Cause-effect story with
“cookie” and “milk” for vocabulary.
9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric
Carle: Repetitive text builds vocabulary and oral recitation.
[Link] Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper: Motivational story with
“effort” for discussion of perseverance.
[Link] Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey: Tale of ducklings with
“waddle” encourages oral retelling.
[Link] by Janell Cannon: Bat adventure with “flutter” supports
comprehension of differences.
[Link] Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams: Emotional story with
“nursery” for vocabulary and discussion.
[Link] George by H.A. Rey: Monkey’s antics with “curious” foster oral
storytelling.
[Link] for Sal by Robert McCloskey: Simple adventure with
“picking” for vocabulary and analysis.
Grades 3-5
1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White: Farm tale with “humble” and “radiant”
for vocabulary and friendship discussions.
2. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl: Adventure with “luminous”
supports analysis and oral readings.
3. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo: Mouse quest with “chivalry”
for theme analysis.
4. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: Friendship story with
“sanctuary” for emotional discussions.
5. Holes by Louis Sachar: Mystery with “destiny” encourages plot analysis
and group discussions.
6. The BFG by Roald Dahl: Fantasy with “snozzcumber” for vocabulary and
creative oral tasks.
7. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: Transformation tale
with “withered” for analysis.
8. Matilda by Roald Dahl: Clever girl’s story with “prodigy” supports
vocabulary and discussion.
9. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster: Wordplay adventure with
“doldrums” for comprehension.
[Link] Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks: Magical tale with
“miniature” for oral storytelling.
[Link] of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo: Dog story with “melancholy”
for emotional analysis.
[Link] Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: Animal adventure with
“meander” for vocabulary.
[Link] Witches by Roald Dahl: Fantasy with “formula” for discussion and
dramatic readings.
[Link] Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner: Mystery with
“freight” for comprehension.
[Link] and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl: Whimsical tale with
“confection” for vocabulary.
Grades 6-8
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: Fantasy with
“wardrobe” for theme analysis and debates.
2. The Giver by Lois Lowry: Dystopian tale with “utopia” for critical
analysis and discussion.
3. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle: Sci-fi with “tesseract” for
comprehension and oral readings.
4. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: Mystery with “heir” for problem-
solving discussions.
5. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt: Immortality tale with “cycle” for
analysis and debates.
6. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman: Fantasy with “daemon” for
vocabulary and discussion.
7. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell: Survival story with
“cormorant” for comprehension.
8. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare: Historical tale
with “puritan” for analysis.
9. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton: Coming-of-age story with “rivalry” for
discussion and oral tasks.
[Link] by Gary Paulsen: Survival adventure with “rudder” for
vocabulary and storytelling.
[Link] Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan: Mythology with “quest” for
analysis and dramatic readings.
[Link] Call of the Wild by Jack London: Adventure with “instinct” for
comprehension and debate.
[Link] Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: Fantasy with “epitaph” for
vocabulary and analysis.
[Link] of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor: Historical story
with “sharecropper” for discussion.
[Link] Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Historical tale with “narrator” for
analysis and oral readings.
Grades 9-12
1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Epic with “rune” for analysis of heroism
and oral storytelling.
2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Coming-of-age story with
“phony” for reflection and discussion.
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Romance with “propriety” for social
norm analysis and readings.
4. Lord of the Flies by William Golding: Survival tale with “savagery” for
theme analysis and debates.
5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: Gothic story with “governess” for
vocabulary and analysis.
6. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Tragedy with “opulence” for
comprehension and discussion.
7. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: Sci-fi with “abomination” for ethical
debates and oral tasks.
8. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: Passionate tale with “moors” for
analysis and dramatic readings.
9. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain: Adventure with
“raft” for vocabulary and discussion.
10.A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: Historical novel with
“guillotine” for analysis and debate.
[Link] Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy: Adventure with “disguise”
for comprehension and storytelling.
[Link] by Bram Stoker: Gothic tale with “transfusion” for vocabulary
and analysis.
[Link] Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: Struggle story with
“marlin” for reflection and discussion.
[Link] Island by Robert Louis Stevenson: Pirate adventure with
“booty” for oral storytelling.
[Link] Time Machine by H.G. Wells: Sci-fi with “epoch” for analysis and
dramatic readings.
Recommended Non-Fiction Books
for Literature Course (K-12)
Kindergarten to Grade 2
1. A Nest Is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston: Introduces animal homes with
words like “burrow” for vocabulary and discussion.
2. My Five Senses by Aliki: Explores senses with “touch” and “smell” for
oral retelling.
3. From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons: Describes plant growth with
“sprout” for comprehension.
4. The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons: Covers lunar phases with “crescent”
for vocabulary.
5. Me... Jane by Patrick McDonnell: Jane Goodall’s childhood with
“chimpanzee” for storytelling.
6. Dinosaurs by Gail Gibbons: Introduces dinosaurs with “fossil” for
discussion.
7. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals by Catherine
D. Hughes: Animal facts with “habitat” for comprehension.
8. The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole: Geology
adventure with “crust” for vocabulary.
9. My First Book of Planets by Bruce Betts: Solar system facts with “orbit”
for oral tasks.
[Link] by Anne Schreiber: Shark facts with “fin” for comprehension
and discussion.
[Link] Was Walt Disney? by Whitney Stewart: Biography with “animation”
for storytelling.
[Link] Words and What They Mean by Gail Gibbons: Weather terms
like “humidity” for vocabulary.
13.I Am a Bunny by Ole Risom: Nature cycle with “blossom” for oral
retelling.
[Link] Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs by Catherine D.
Hughes: Insect facts with “antenna” for discussion.
[Link] a Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan: Seed growth with “root” for
comprehension.
Grades 3-5
1. Who Was Albert Einstein? by Jess Brallier: Biography with “relativity”
for analysis and discussion.
2. The Boy Who Fell off the Mayflower by P.J. Lynch: John Howland’s story
with “pilgrim” for comprehension.
3. National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia by Don Lessem: Dinosaur
facts with “cretaceous” for vocabulary.
4. The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip by Joanna Cole:
Electricity with “circuit” for oral tasks.
5. What Is the Solar System? by Carmen Bredeson: Astronomy with
“asteroid” for discussion.
6. Volcanoes by Seymour Simon: Volcanic science with “magma” for
comprehension.
7. The Great Fire by Jim Murphy: Chicago fire history with “inferno” for
analysis.
8. Who Was Helen Keller? by Gare Thompson: Biography with “braille” for
storytelling.
9. Spiders by Gail Gibbons: Arachnid facts with “web” for vocabulary and
discussion.
[Link] Wright Brothers by Quentin Reynolds: Aviation history with
“propeller” for comprehension.
[Link] Geographic Kids Everything Weather by Kathy Furgang:
Weather facts with “tornado” for oral tasks.
[Link] Lady by Jess Keating: Eugenie Clark’s story with “marine” for
analysis.
[Link] the Titanic by Robert D. Ballard: Shipwreck history with
“iceberg” for discussion.
[Link] Are Insects by Anne Rockwell: Insect science with “exoskeleton”
for vocabulary.
[Link] Was Leonardo da Vinci? by Roberta Edwards: Biography with
“invention” for storytelling.
Grades 6-8
1. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba: Inventor’s
story with “turbine” for analysis and discussion.
2. National Geographic Kids Everything Space by Helaine Becker:
Astronomy with “galaxy” for comprehension.
3. The Story of Flight by Judith Rinard: Aviation history with
“aerodynamics” for vocabulary.
4. Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson: Historical chase with
“assassin” for analysis.
5. The Stars: A New Way to See Them by H.A. Rey: Astronomy guide with
“constellation” for discussion.
6. Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous
Weapon by Steve Sheinkin: History with “fission” for comprehension.
7. The Great Bridge by David McCullough: Brooklyn Bridge history with
“suspension” for analysis.
8. An American Plague by Jim Murphy: Yellow fever epidemic with
“quarantine” for discussion.
9. Who Was Marie Curie? by Megan Stine: Biography with “radioactivity”
for vocabulary.
[Link] Elements by Theodore Gray: Chemistry with “molecule” for
comprehension and oral tasks.
[Link] at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong:
Shackleton’s survival with “icebound” for analysis.
[Link] Geographic Kids Everything Volcanoes and Earthquakes by
Kathy Furgang: Geology with “tectonic” for vocabulary.
[Link] Kid Who Invented the Popsicle by Don L. Wulffson: Invention
stories with “patent” for discussion.
[Link] They Croaked by Georgia Bragg: Historical deaths with “mortal”
for comprehension.
[Link] Was Thomas Edison? by Margaret Frith: Biography with
“incandescent” for storytelling.
Grades 9-12
1. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: Medical history
with “cell” for analysis and discussion.
2. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer: Everest adventure with “altitude” for
comprehension.
3. The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester: Dictionary history
with “lexicon” for vocabulary.
4. Longitude by Dava Sobel: Navigation history with “chronometer” for
analysis.
5. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson: World’s Fair history with
“exposition” for discussion.
6. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson: Science overview
with “quantum” for comprehension.
7. The Code Book by Simon Singh: Cryptography history with “cipher” for
vocabulary and analysis.
8. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly: Space race biography with
“trajectory” for discussion.
9. The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger: Survival tale with “gale” for
comprehension and oral tasks.
[Link] Man Who Knew Infinity by Robert Kanigel: Ramanujan biography
with “infinity” for analysis.
[Link] River of Doubt by Candice Millard: Roosevelt’s expedition with
“tributary” for vocabulary.
[Link] Wright Brothers by David McCullough: Aviation biography with
“glider” for discussion.
[Link] by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner: Economics
with “incentive” for analysis.
[Link] Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean: Chemistry history with
“periodic” for comprehension.
[Link]: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing: Survival
with “icepack” for storytelling.
Recommended Books on Western
Civilization for Literature Course
(K-12)
Kindergarten to Grade 2
1. Aesop’s Fables (retold by Ann McGovern): Simple moral tales with words
like “fable” for vocabulary and discussion.
2. Greek Myths for Young Children by Heather Amery: Simplified myths
(e.g., Icarus) with “hero” for oral retelling.
3. The Trojan Horse by Emily Little: Trojan War story with “trick” for
comprehension.
4. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths (abridged for young readers) by Ingri
and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire: Myths with “gods” for storytelling.
5. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney: Aesop’s fable with “mercy” for
vocabulary and moral analysis.
6. The Tortoise and the Hare by Janet Stevens: Aesop’s tale with
“persevere” for discussion.
7. Myths and Legends by Anna Milbourne: Simple Western myths with
“legend” for comprehension.
8. The Golden Goose by Brian Wildsmith: Grimm fairy tale with “greed” for
oral tasks.
9. King Midas and the Golden Touch by Charlotte Craft: Greek myth with
“curse” for vocabulary.
[Link] Boy Who Cried Wolf by B.G. Hennessy: Aesop’s fable with
“honesty” for discussion.
[Link] Ant and the Grasshopper by Amy Lowry Poole: Aesop’s tale with
“labor” for comprehension.
[Link] from Ancient Greece by Heather Amery: Short myths with
“oracle” for storytelling.
[Link] Shepherd Boy and the Wolf by Saviour Pirotta: Aesop’s fable with
“trust” for analysis.
[Link] of Greek Mythology by Donna Jo Napoli: Simplified tales with
“quest” for oral retelling.
[Link] Hare and the Tortoise by Helen Ward: Aesop’s fable with “steady”
for vocabulary.
Grades 3-5
1. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire: Full
myths with “pantheon” for analysis and discussion.
2. Aesop’s Fables (complete collection, retold by Michael Hague): Moral
tales with “virtue” for comprehension.
3. The Adventures of Odysseus by Hugh Lupton: Odyssey retelling with
“voyage” for vocabulary.
4. Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff: Iliad adaptation with
“epic” for storytelling.
5. The Children’s Homer by Padraic Colum: Iliad and Odyssey with
“destiny” for analysis.
6. Tales from the Odyssey by Mary Pope Osborne: Odysseus’ journey with
“siren” for discussion.
7. Greek Myths by Olivia Coolidge: Selected myths with “fate” for
comprehension.
8. The Twelve Labors of Hercules by Marc Cerasini: Hercules’ tasks with
“labor” for oral tasks.
9. The Golden Fleece by Padraic Colum: Argonauts’ tale with “quest” for
vocabulary.
[Link] Was King Arthur? by Ellen Labrecque: Arthurian legend with
“chivalry” for discussion.
[Link] Story of the Greeks by H.A. Guerber: Greek history with
“democracy” for analysis.
[Link] Rome by Simon James: Roman culture with “aqueduct” for
comprehension.
[Link] Wanderings of Odysseus by Rosemary Sutcliff: Odyssey retelling
with “cunning” for storytelling.
[Link] of Ancient Egypt by Roger Lancelyn Green: Myths with “pharaoh”
for vocabulary.
[Link] Story of the Romans by H.A. Guerber: Roman history with
“republic” for discussion.
Grades 6-8
1. The Iliad (retold by Gillian Cross): Epic with “valor” for analysis and
discussion.
2. The Odyssey (retold by Geraldine McCaughrean): Journey with
“odyssey” for comprehension.
3. Aesop’s Fables (original translations by Laura Gibbs): Morals with
“prudence” for vocabulary.
4. The Librarian Who Measured the Earth by Kathryn Lasky: Eratosthenes’
story with “circumference” for analysis.
5. The Story of Western Civilization by H.A. Guerber: Overview with
“philosophy” for discussion.
6. The Fall of Troy by Peter Connolly: Trojan War history with “siege” for
comprehension.
7. Ancient Greece by Anne Pearson: Greek culture with “agora” for
vocabulary.
8. The Roman Republic by Don Nardo: Roman history with “senate” for
analysis.
9. The Myths of Greece and Rome by H.A. Guerber: Classical myths with
“deity” for discussion.
[Link] Was Alexander the Great? by Kathryn Waterfield: Biography with
“empire” for storytelling.
[Link] Life and Times of Socrates by Susan Zannos: Philosopher’s story
with “dialogue” for analysis.
[Link] and Roman Mythology by Don Nardo: Myths with “pantheon” for
comprehension.
[Link] Twelve Caesars (adapted for young readers) by Suetonius, retold
by Mary Pope Osborne: Roman emperors with “reign” for vocabulary.
[Link] Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle: Arthurian
tales with “grail” for discussion.
[Link] Parthenon by Elizabeth Mann: Greek architecture with “frieze” for
comprehension.
Grades 9-12
1. The Iliad by Homer (translated by Robert Fagles): Epic with “arete” for
analysis and discussion.
2. The Odyssey by Homer (translated by Robert Fagles): Journey with
“hubris” for comprehension.
3. Aesop’s Fables (translated by Laura Gibbs): Moral tales with “maxim”
for vocabulary.
4. The Histories by Herodotus (abridged, translated by Aubrey de
Sélincourt): Greek history with “chronicle” for analysis.
5. The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides (abridged,
translated by Rex Warner): War history with “strategy” for discussion.
6. The Republic by Plato (translated by Benjamin Jowett): Philosophy with
“justice” for comprehension.
7. The Politics by Aristotle (abridged, translated by T.A. Sinclair): Political
theory with “polis” for vocabulary.
8. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (translated by Gregory Hays): Stoic
philosophy with “virtue” for analysis.
9. Discourses by Epictetus (translated by Robert Dobbin): Stoic teachings
with “stoicism” for discussion.
[Link] of the Noble Greeks and Romans by Plutarch (abridged,
translated by John Dryden): Biographies with “nobility” for storytelling.
[Link] Aeneid by Virgil (translated by Robert Fitzgerald): Roman epic with
“destiny” for comprehension.
[Link] of God (abridged) by Augustine of Hippo, translated by Marcus
Dods: Christian philosophy with “divine” for analysis.
[Link] Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli (translated by W.K. Marriott):
Political treatise with “sovereign” for discussion.
[Link] Gallic Wars by Julius Caesar (translated by Carolyn Hammond):
Military history with “campaign” for vocabulary.
[Link] the Nature of Things by Lucretius (translated by A.E. Stallings):
Epicurean philosophy with “atom” for comprehension.