CAN WE LEARN FROM READING FICTION ? HARNESSING THE POWER OF STORY ACROSS CONTENT AREAS
What is literacy learning ?
Students become immersed in imaginary worlds , explore personal reading interest , develop sustained voluntary reading practices , develop reading for meaning and independence as critically-capable readers .
Books which deal with historical eras
Students can gather a deeper understanding of people and eras in history ; become more engaged with the historical event through story rather than just a set of facts ; picture books / graphic novels can also give visual reference to the people and time ; and social issues and historical concepts can be discussed and explored through deeper , personal accounts .
The role of literature in inquiry learning
Literature can be an information source which can amplify reality , bringing the truths of the world to us through story . Literature can teach questioning and stimulate curiosity and can teach students about how to ask different kinds of questions . Teaching literature with an inquiry stance - approaching texts with ' wonderment and awe '.
Books which deal with people
From graphic novels to picture books , fictional novels to biographical novels , all written more as an enjoyable ' story ' rather than a set of facts - can help make learning about people more relatable and enjoyable .
Books which discuss geography
Especially with visual texts , students can explore , discover and understand geographical concepts and ideas as well as practice their visual literacy skills .
Books which talk about social justice .
Students can read and talk about personal and social capability ; have an ethical understanding of their world ; have an intercultural understanding and learn the value of tolerance .