Understanding point of view is crucial for students as it not only shapes narrative structure but also influences their interpretation of texts. As middle and high school teachers, teaching point of view can enhance students’ critical thinking skills and deepen student’s appreciation for literature. Here are some best practices for teaching point of view effectively in your classroom.
The Three Viewpoints Students Need to Learn
First, it is important to introduce the different types of point of view: first-person, second-person, and third-person. Use popular literary examples from novels, short stories, and even films to illustrate these perspectives.
For instance, showcasing excerpts from books like “The Catcher in the Rye” (first-person), “The Hunger Games” (first-person immersive), and “Pride and Prejudice” (third-person omniscient) can help anchor students’ understanding.
Encourage students to analyze how the chosen point of view affects the narrative and the reader’s connection to the characters. This foundational knowledge serves as a springboard for deeper discussions on the implications of perspective in storytelling.
Teaching Point of View with Comparative Analysis
As you dive deeper into teaching point of view, involve students in comparative analyses. Have them explore how changing the point of view in a scene can alter the story’s impact. For example, rewriting a well-known fairy tale or modern story from a different character’s perspective can challenge students to consider the motives and emotions of various characters. This exercise not only sharpens their understanding but also allows them to engage creatively with the text.
Similarly, you can ask students to create a story map to show the perspectives of each of the characters in a story they are reading. Place the Story title in the center of the map and then draw connected circles around the title with one circle representing each of the major characters. Ask students to list the character’s name at the top of the circle and then write an entry about the story from the character’s viewpoint.
Each entry should start with “I think” or “I feel” and should help clarify the perspectives or major concerns of the character. Once students have completed character perspective bubbles for all of the major characters, have students share their maps and their perspective bubbles to see how they compare. Students will enjoy the activity and will have greater insights into the characters in the story or novel they are reading.
Using Multimedia Resources
Using multimedia resources can also enhance your teaching of point of view. Consider incorporating video clips from adaptations of novels or films that illustrate different perspectives. For instance, scenes from movies like “A Tale of Two Cities,” narrated by multiple characters, can illuminate how perspective shifts can provide richer context and understanding. Encouraging students to critique these adaptations—identifying how changes in point of view affect their interpretation—will foster deeper insights.
Assessing Student Understanding
Finally, ongoing assessment and reflection on students’ understanding of point of view is essential. Encourage students to write reflective journals where they express their thoughts on how point of view influences their reading experience.
Additionally, you can facilitate peer discussions where they share insights and challenge each other’s interpretations. By creating a classroom environment that values discussion and reflection, you reinforce the importance of point of view in understanding literature and the world around them.
Teaching Point of View Deepens Student Comprehension
teaching point of view is an integral part of helping students navigate literature effectively. By introducing the types of point of view, engaging in creative writing exercises, utilizing multimedia resources, and fostering reflection and discussion, you will empower your students to become more discerning readers and writers. Emphasizing these strategies will make the concept of point of view not only accessible but also enjoyable for middle and high school students.
If you liked this article, you may like: Audience and Point of View in Student Writing.
To learn more about excellent ways to help students deepen their reading and comprehension skills, you may enjoy Karen’s ASCD book, Literacy Strategies for Grades 4-12: Reinforcing the Threads of Reading.
