How popular culture can be incorporated into Guided Reading Curriculum
Popular culture has always been a significant part of our lives, so why not include it in our guided reading curriculum? Students would be much more engaged in what they are reading if they can relate to the content on a personal level, and what better way to achieve this than through popular culture! In this article, we will highlight the top 5 popular culture texts that should be included in your guided reading curriculum.
1) “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling
The “Harry Potter” series has become a staple in modern popular culture. It has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages, making it an ideal option for the guided reading curriculum. The books offer a rich vocabulary that challenges students and contains many themes related to social issues such as justice, friendship, love, and power. The characters are also well-developed, providing a great opportunity to analyze their personalities and motives.
2) “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
“The Hunger Games” is a dystopian novel set in a world where children are selected to fight to the death in a televised event. This book provides an exciting and suspenseful read, but more importantly, it exposes students to political and social issues such as government control, wealth inequality, and propaganda. These themes lend themselves to meaningful and thought-provoking classroom discussions.
3) “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a classic novel that offers an insightful commentary on racism and prejudice in America. It provides a great opportunity for classroom discussion on moral issues, history, and social issues. The characters are all distinct and well-developed, encouraging students to analyze and interpret their motives.
4) “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
“The Hate U Give” is a contemporary novel that grapples with issues related to race, police brutality, and activism. This book is highly relevant in today’s world, making it an ideal option for the guided reading curriculum. Students can engage in dialogue related to social and justice issues affecting society and their impact on individuals.
5) “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
“Wonder” is a heartwarming and inspiring story about a young boy named August, who has facial differences and navigates the challenges of starting school. This book encourages readers to look beyond appearances and reflects on themes of kindness and empathy. Students will foster better social and emotional learning skills through a better understanding of the challenges of others.
In conclusion, incorporating popular culture texts into guided reading curriculum comes with many benefits. As we’ve outlined in this article, it’s essential to pick books that offer valuable lessons, challenge students to think critically and help develop their critical social and emotional skills. These books are appealing, and with their relatable themes and contemporary relevance, it will help students look forward to each new lesson while gaining insights from outstanding written works.
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