Activity: Exploring Texts for Enjoyment and Personal Response

Objective: By the end of this activity, students will be able to regularly select and read, listen to, or watch texts for enjoyment and interest. They will also be able to express how well these texts meet their needs and expectations, providing reasons and evidence for their personal response. The focus will be on both fiction and non-fiction texts.

Duration: 2-3 lessons

Materials: - A variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, such as novels, short stories, articles, poems, and videos (ensure they are suitable for Third level) - Paper and pens for students to record their responses

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin by discussing the importance of reading for enjoyment and personal response.
   • Explain that in this activity, students will have the opportunity to explore different texts and express their thoughts and feelings about them.
   • Share the desired outcome with the students: “By the end of this activity, you will be able to regularly select and read, listen to, or watch texts for enjoyment and interest. You will also be able to express how well these texts meet your needs and expectations, providing reasons and evidence for your personal response.”
2. Text Selection (15 minutes):
   • Provide a selection of fiction and non-fiction texts for students to choose from.
   • Encourage them to select texts that they find interesting and enjoyable.
   • Remind them to consider their personal preferences, needs, and expectations when making their choices.
3. Reading, Listening, or Watching (30-40 minutes):
   • Give students time to read, listen to, or watch their chosen texts.
   • Encourage them to engage with the texts fully, taking notes and highlighting important points or passages.
4. Personal Response (20 minutes):
   • Ask students to reflect on their chosen texts and write a personal response.
   • They should consider how well the texts met their needs and expectations, and provide reasons and evidence for their response.
   • Encourage them to consider elements such as plot, characters, writing style, themes, and relevance to their own lives.
5. Sharing and Discussion (20 minutes):
   • Allow students to share their personal responses with the class.
   • Encourage them to explain their reasons and provide evidence for their opinions.
   • Facilitate a class discussion where students can compare and contrast their responses, exploring different perspectives and interpretations.
6. Extension Activity (optional):
   • For further exploration, students can create book reviews, write short stories inspired by the texts they read, or create presentations discussing the themes and messages found in the texts.
7. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Recap the desired outcome with the students and ask them to reflect on their progress.
   • Encourage them to continue selecting and engaging with texts for enjoyment and personal response outside of the classroom.

Note: The teacher should provide guidance and support throughout the activity, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of suitable texts and helping them develop their skills in expressing their personal responses effectively.