Inspiring children to read and enjoy fiction

A depressingly large number of students approach the study of literature with a wrong opinion about it. They may simply be studying it in order to obtain a credit pass to enable them read such courses as law, English etc

In other words, literature as a subject is to them a means to an end and not and end in itself. This kind of view tends to make one think of the subject negatively as a sort of ordeal involving struggles with baffling texts, endless learning of quotations, attempt to predict questions and memorise acceptable answers.

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What then is fiction?
Fiction is a name for stories not entirely factual, but at least partially shaped , made up or imagined. It is concerned with invented characters who move, speak and think in a world which often seems very real.

These invented characters and events are however based on real life situations. The writers are men and women who have taken a hard look at the life they know and consequently arrive at it interpretation.

Reading literary fiction is not a mere passive activity, it is one that demands both attention and insight - lending participation. In return, it offers rewards.

In some works of literary fiction, we see more into the minds and hearts of the characters than we can ever see into those of our family, close friends or even ourselves.

The purpose for reading literary fiction
The ultimate purpose for reading literary fiction is tied up to that of studying literature since fiction is an aspect or branch of literature.

As a teacher, you can best inspire your students to enjoy reading fiction when you yourself understand some of the rewards or value that could accrue to its readers.

It vitalizes language
It meant for enjoyment
It tells us things we would not otherwise have known about humanity of which we are a part.

Thank you