Transforming the English lesson

The English lesson; a series of painful grammar exercises, tedious comprehensions and trying to get your head around the difference between an adjective and an adverb – sound familiar? For many children school can be a chore and a bore, where days are filled with unexciting, uninspiring lessons that only serve to remind them of what they could be doing instead with their time. Granted, some enthusiastic students delight at the prospect of the school day: meeting classmates and learning something new which will no doubt come in useful at some point. For the majority, however, school is an imposed chore which signifies boredom until such a time as the bell tolls to mark the end of the day and freedom at last!

Indeed, most children will not learn the value of their lessons and school experiences until they are much older, yet this only serves as a spur to the modern teacher to embrace the innovation of the world around them and mould the children under their charge to not only benefit, but also to take enjoyment from their lessons. The book is simultaneously one of the oldest forms of entertainment and one of the most basic educational tools; the combination of both makes this the perfect solution to the age-old conundrum of instilling interest in lessons and one which, particularly in the golden era of the ebook in which we live, should be interwoven into every schoolchild’s life.

Of course, incorporating stories and books into the framework of the curriculum is no new concept and has always proven a success in the past. What child doesn’t leap at the happy distraction which story-time brings to those awful maths lessons? However, while every child loves the distraction the book brings to proceedings in the classroom, the educational benefits of the book and reading should not be overlooked. As well as promoting the correct use of spelling, grammar and vocabulary, which in itself is half the battle of the English lesson, stories stimulate a child’s imagination and evoke their curiosity to discover their inner storyteller.

Outside of the regular story-time classroom sessions, which are usually reserved for the younger classes, books can be interwoven into the English (and other languages) lesson plans in a way which simultaneously achieves the goals set out under the curriculum and instils a love and appreciation of reading. As trusted as the book review may be, always strive to push the boundaries to bring simmering interests and passions to the surface. 

We have already discussed the power of the hero and heroine, the values they can instil and their power to capture the imagination – why not use the hold of the hero/ heroine more in the classroom? Using a drama period to re-enact favourite scenes and lines from a book or to portray a particular character is one idea. This not only enables students to use their creativity and really interact with the book, but brings it to life for those around them in a way which encourages them to pick up the book and participate themselves.

Story writing can often pose a major problem in the classroom; while some students can’t wait to put pen to paper and let their imaginations run wild, for others the task is not so straight forward. Why not play on the popular modern concept of fan fiction writing to encourage and inspire those who may find it difficult to tap into their own imaginative pool, or who are simply too reluctant to share their ideas. By asking students to write alternative endings to a class book or to give a ‘what happens next’ account at the end of each chapter they can build on the ideas and interests already stirred up by the reading material and really let their imaginations run wild. By providing them with a base idea to work from, this can eliminate some of the disinterest and reluctance which dogs students who are too afraid or at a loss when it comes to dreaming up their own stories.

The ever-changing landscape of the book publishing world should serve as the perfect example when it comes to planning a lesson. Just as the industry now revolves around the interactive experience between the book and its reader, the reader and the author, the author and the publisher, so too should interaction be the key facet to the lesson. Instead of everyone writing a book report or review for the teacher to correct, why not have a corresponding circle time whereby every student swaps and shares their reports with another student who has never read the book. Lets’ face it; there is no higher recommendation than that of one who has read and loved the book, especially if it is a peer, and so in this way students are engaging with each other, learning and enjoying the interactive experience together.

The possibilities are endless in the modern world we live in. With more and more schools embracing online resources and computer use in the classroom, apps and other online material should also not be overlooked as means of breaking the monotony of the textbook. Meanwhile, the power of film is a force to be reckoned with, without doubt, and the cheers which characterise the wheeling in of the TV and DVD player should never be underestimated. Teachers and lesson planners everywhere need only look to the world and the influences around them and, as they expect of their students, use their imaginations to their fullest to inspire and educate.

The power of the alter ego

There is, and has always been, something exceptionally intriguing about the alter ego. No matter who owns the hands that type their words or the imagination that feeds their creativity, there is something distinctively limitless about their world. For some reason, the alter ego can get away with a lot more than your average human being, whether this amounts to getting out of a slightly sticky situation scott-free (one Sacha Baron-Cohen springs to mind) or advancing a particularly dynamic idea to society. Either way, it cannot be denied that the concept of the alter ego has long-captivated the human race.

Aside from the mystique that naturally surrounds the alter ego, as inherently inquisitive human beings we cannot resist succumbing to our fascination with a character so significant that it warrants its own physical manifestation, whether present for all to see or through the written word. Perhaps this captivation is down to our fascination with ‘the unknown’, but the more likely explanation is the power of the creative force behind it. See, with an alter ego we can be anything or anyone that we want; it enables people to combine their creative talents with the richest and most vivid products of their imagination to transcend the limits of ‘ordinary’ and reach levels which are truly extraordinary. 

The alter ego embodies and exudes empowerment and freedom of creative expression, the kind that otherwise may very well rest unlocked underneath your ‘ordinary’ exterior. It is your game-face, your swagger. Where some might lack in the line of confidence, their alter ego is the cock-sure façade presented to the world.

One need only study the more famous alter egos of our modern society to realise exactly this. Many marvel at the staggering contrast between the softly-spoken, graceful Beyoncé we see in interviews, and the fiercely confident character that has us fixated with her risqué outfits and dance moves. It is no surprise then, that the lauded singer and actress draws a balance between her private and professional life through an alter ego. 

Indeed, it is in fact Sasha Fierce who is the source of that impenetrable professionalism, the swagger behind her cocky stage strut. And certainly reinforcing the ‘limitless’ qualities which the alter ego can hold, Lady Gaga has well and worked the formula for all it is worth. Her most infamous alter ego, none other than an Italian-American man (complete with facial hair), has made her the focus of endless attention and controversy time and time again, as well as ensuring a creative reinvention which guarantees that the public cannot possibly lose interest.

The interest which the alter ego invokes and the attention which it can garner are unparalleled; people will always choose the extraordinary over the ordinary, and this is true for the literary world also. This week it was reported that comedian Leigh Francis has struck a deal with publisher Orion to pen an autobiography; this biography, however, will be no ordinary autobiography. Neither will it contain any information or thoughts belonging to Leigh Francis, the comedian. Instead, Orion has acquired the rights to the autobiography of Keith Lemon, just one of the comedian’s alter egos, who already boasts his own primetime television show on Channel 4. There is no doubting that Francis’ various successes over the past ten years would not have been possible without the creation and manifestation of his alter egos.

The alter ego is quite unique; there is no particular reason as to why we create them, and equally, many will insist that they were always ‘just there’. They are the manifestation of the most vivid creativity and imaginations; they are the booming voice when our own wavers; they are self-assured when our confidence falters; they are the image we want to present to the world when we are reluctant to show our own. Your face and features may be familiar to those who know the person beneath, but the alter ego has a transforming quality that can enrapture the world and bring it under its spell.

The power of the hero and heroine

Think hard about the best books that you have ever read; the classics which have always stood out above all others in your memory and the epic tales which are immortalised on the silver screen. What is it that marks these stories out from the billions of others, so painstakingly and passionately created by their authors? What transforms it from merely a good read to a work of inspiration which will stay with you for the rest of your life? 

On reflection of the mass of page-turners which have made said list, there is a clear formula which a literary work takes to be elevated to classic status. It is the combination of the author’s passion and belief in the power of the story they are telling, and the ability of the tale itself to arouse the same in the reader. However, the final and vital ingredient to the success of the story and its translation to the reader is the character whose responsibility it is to carry it.

The hero or heroine of any story has phenomenal power to shape our experience with a book and elevate it from an interest to a passion. When we take the example of the global bestselling trilogy, The Hunger Games, the power of the hero (or in this case, the heroine) is clear for all to see. It is easy to understand why and how these sensational books have caused such a stir and have taken the world by storm, inspiring and evoking passion in their readers.

The concept of the novels is original and unique, while the thrilling plot and the author’s vivacious style of writing makes the entire reading experience a joy, not to mention an emotional rollercoaster. However, it is the power of the principal character and heroine of the novels, Katniss Everdeen, which carries the stories, and it is with Katniss that readers the world over have admired, identified and empathised with. The vision of a physically and emotionally strong, independent, talented, humble yet rebellious figure has touched hearts and roused interest en masse around the world and elevated her story to classic status.

And this is just the most recent example of the power which a passionate and inspiring hero and heroine can hold over a reader. Is it not the unfaltering bravery and passion of its protagonist which makes the Harry Potter series so wonderful? Is it not the general mistrust and, often, disgust of Heathcliff which makes Wuthering Heights such a highly-disputed classic which splits readers into a fine divide of lovers and haters? Even to cast back to history, is it not the brave and heroic exploits of Achilles which keeps the Iliad the subject of history books and Hollywood blockbusters?

The hero often reflects all, in not many, of our own deepest hopes and desires, our most lauded strengths and attributes and most humble weaknesses, and reaches for their dreams and aspirations just as we do on a daily basis in our own lives. For a child, the hero and heroine of a story are awe-inspiring and entertaining, but also, and most importantly, serve as early role models who can have a significant effect on their grasp of what it takes to be a human being. The determination, ambition, compassion, bravery and strength which encapsulates the hero and heroine of our stories not only draw in a child or young person but also plant seeds of who they want to be in life and what they want to achieve.

Far beyond the limits of entertainment, which, we can all admit, the characters of our favourite books do present, their power extends to a much wider base. Everyone wants to read about their favourite hero and heroine; about their successes and how they overcome their losses; how they garner the mutual respect which ultimately earns them that heroic status. The power of the hero and heroine to influence and inspire a child is one of the strongest forces the book has to offer, in terms of education and wider life lessons, and has and always will remain its strongest draw and weapon in the struggle to encourage reading. 

Forget about the movie - go and read the book!

One overriding pattern of my reading list at the moment, that including books read of late and books yet to read, is the promise of something which is ‘better than the movie’. 

And with the Avengers 2012 movie now in the cinemas, many might be wondering whether it would be better to read the original Marvel comic book or to go and see the movie which features stars such as Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr.  

I don’t tend to buy into hype, but eventually my intrigue got the better of me when I went to see the much-acclaimed ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. 

Not overly impressed and, I will admit, more than slightly confused upon my exit from the cinema, I informed a friend of mine who had recommended the movie that I didn’t see what all the fuss was about. 

While recounting particular issues and grey areas I found with the movie adaptation, I was immediately met with much gesticulation of hands and head-shaking: “you have to read the book!” she assured me, “those parts get completely lost in the film, if you really want to understand the story you have to read the original.”

And that is exactly where I stand when it comes to film adaptations. 

No matter how many millions of pounds or dollars are pumped into the production, regardless of how prestigious, prolific and star-studded the cast, and despite the lavish promotional campaigns which are par for the course with any blockbuster, a film adaptation can never compare to the original book in my opinion. 

While the constraints of running time and script editing can result in large and often essential elements of the story being left on the cutting room floor, the build-up of atmosphere and suspense, and the original descriptive vision of the author is often lost in the transition from literature to film.

Not to exhaust a specific example, but I thank my stars that I discovered Harry Potter before Hollywood ever got its hands upon the film rights. To this day, I still find myself returning to these books to recapture some cherished memories and entertainment, still finding myself absorbed by certain elements of the story which were lost in the transition onto the big screen. 

Similarly, anyone who has read Philip Pullman’s ‘Northern Lights’ would surely agree that the true genius of Pullman’s style and the mysterious and ominous quirks of Lyra’s world were not translated over to the film adaptation, ‘The Golden Compass’. 

Readers of His Dark Materials are invited into a parallel universe in which the extraordinary is accepted as quite the ordinary; the atmosphere and tension which Pullman creates, balancing the story somewhere between a children’s fantasy tale and a darker adult drama, can only be captured through Pullman’s exceptional descriptive powers and knowledge of his carefully crafted multiverse. 

Despite the phenomenal success the film enjoyed at the box office, I must admit my disappointment that these qualities were somewhat diluted.

However, apart from the natural hype which surrounds such a box office hit, it also undoubtedly encourages the fan to go back to the beginning and experience the story in its raw, untreated form – just as the author intended. 

It could just be the fanatic’s natural excitement for more, or it could be the urgings of a friend to discover and appreciate the “better version”, like myself. Either way, while some may look upon television and cinema as detractors from the age-old pastime of reading, it has proven an invaluable tool in the drive to encourage reading among children and young people in this technology-obsessed era.

From Barbie to Bratz: the importance of branding for reading

Wouldn't life be so much easier if we could just say the word and that would be that? If we could tell someone (in their best interests, of course) to do something and they just did it? If, when we made a recommendation, people would take us at our face value, trust in our judgement and follow our guidance? And when you told a child to read a book because not only would they enjoy it, but because it would be good for them, would it not be wonderful if they did exactly that?

Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world where our orders, request, recommendations and even most passionately-felt pleadings are listened to. Indeed, often it is a struggle to have our voices heard. Often, the more passionately you feel about something, the harder the knock when your words fall on deaf ears and, let’s face it; sometimes we just feel like throwing in the towel from frustration and exhaustion.

In my experience, many parents and teacher alike often feel this way when it comes to encouraging children to read, especially at a younger age. When you think back to your childhood how many times would you swap a book for a part in that exciting game of chase that was going on outside of your window? Maybe the answer isn’t as bad as one may think, but it cannot be denied that the lure of fresh air and fun with your friends often far outweighed the call of your fairy tale collection.

And now, in contemporary society where technology and all things digital are reigning supreme on our educational and entertainment landscape, it seems even harder to sell the good old reliable book. While such innovations and inventions as e-readers and ebooks have glamorised the book industry to an extent, other distractions such as computer games and consoles, DVDs and pocket players are waiting in the wings to tempt the neutral player away with its latest offerings of fun.

This is why branding can be so important to the book industry and instrumental to the battle to get children reading. From singers and actors to toys and cartoon characters, companies and corporations these days are desperate to make a great thing out of a good thing. 

The success of a popular toy or character, for example, the Bratz dolls, can spawn an entire spin-off range including everything from movies, to games and, most importantly books. While many would criticise these corporations for milking a good idea for financial gain, it cannot be denied that literary ventures which have been spun from popular characters and toys are garnering significant success in the push to encourage reading among children.

Recently, the Bookseller reported that the publishing rights to Barbie, every little girl’s favourite doll and the “number one girls property in the UK”, had been acquired by a new company, Bonnier Publishing. The appropriation will see Barbie transformed once again, with the promise of “all new titles and…a range of colouring, activity and novelty formats based on the new Barbie film, ‘The Princess and the Popstar’.

Any product with the mass appeal and history of Barbie is always certain to draw interest for children. Little girls love Barbie. They want to dress her up, they want to push her around in her hot pink convertible, and then when they are finished playing, they want another activity to do. This is where the book comes in. By marketing children’s books with their favourite characters as the subject you are incorporating the book and reading as part of play. 

Where a character such as Barbie is a figure of fun, that same fun is associated with reading about her adventures in a book. Once children get past the concept of “the book” and instead are drawn in by an idea or creation which intrigues and excites them, reading becomes as second nature to them as play.

So while parents, elder siblings, grandparents and teachers may be keen to pass on a love of their favourite books or the books which a child “should be reading”, don’t be afraid to give in to the power of branding to plant the seed of interest in a child. 

While tastes can always grow and refine, and the success of one tentative recommendation can lead to others, the importance of tending to a child’s interest is always paramount. There is a reason why branding is so powerful, and when it comes to reading its potential as an invaluable tool of encouragement is undeniable.

When I grow up, I want to be a bookworm!

It’s true when they say literature pushes us to our limits, it takes us out of our comfort zones and inserts us into another realm created be a talented author. Age is irrelevant when assessing the joys literacy brings us, it allows us to develop and nurture our abilities.

My earlier article focused on the ways in which I suggest you use to get your child reading. However I wanted to assess how we continue to inspire our children to read as they develop and discover different ventures life has to offer them. Searching through various suggestions and helpful tips we have a suggested list of interesting reads to inspire your child, of junior age, to continue to nurse their love of books.

The Gruffalo’s collection is a fine place to start a child reading independently with creator Axel Scheffler achieving worldwide acclaim for his humorous illustrations, and his books have been translated into over 29 languages making his phenomenon a must read for your child.

Cinderella- A princess at last: Princess Retellings is one for the girls! What happens after you marry your Prince Charming and become a princess? Being a royal princess isn't as easy as it looks, as Cinderella soon finds out, and there is so much to do! She has to organise the wedding feast and fit in to the royal palace lifestyle. But with the help of her good friends the mice, she soon transforms the stuffy atmosphere of the palace with warmth and laughter. This book comes up in the top 10 of chain Waterstones to read list.

The Chronicles of Narnia is one that continues to crop up throughout children’s literature and a great collection that I remember reading as a young girl. The collection is filled with magic and mystery portraying great tales of courage and achievement along the way. These timeless classics are a collection vital to any child’s collection.

Bucky the Beaver" by Earl Bennett sits top on our list, with reviews suggesting the book encourages children to engage in a tale of determination a perfect read for a young child.

I must admit, I’m a sucker for the classics to which I’m sure it’s no surprise, but my final book comes in as Secret Garden, With an outstanding rating of none other than 5 stars. Waterstones guide review the classic with a synopsis stating that ‘After losing her parents and being shipped from India to the Yorkshire Moors, Mary Lennox is terribly lonely. Living in her uncle's gloomy mansion, she has nobody to play with.

But one day, she learns of a secret garden somewhere in the grounds that her uncle won't allow anyone to enter. Then Mary uncovers an old key in a flowerbed - and a gust of magic leads her to the hidden door. Slowly, she turns the key and enters a world she could never have imagined...’

These 5 books sit top of my list of inspiring novels to encourage children to read in a modern age, incorporating the magical realms of fairies, princesses and witches is it easy to see how a youngster can fall in love with the fantasy world created.

Let us know any other books you suggest, I would love to hear from you.

Plan B launches publishing company: broaden your horizons

In the modern world of the celebrity truly anything is possible. Singers are penning their memoirs in their early twenties; actors are launching everything from perfume ranges to restaurant chains, and the transition from reality television star to budding entrepreneur has not only become a natural progression but the expected career path. 

While one should always encourage and laud an individual who pushes the boundaries of their environment and comfort zone to take a chance, and even more so, who seeks to embrace and display their talents to the full, sometimes you just wish they would stick to what they are good at.

Except in this case, that is. Yes, recent news reports confirm that singer and rapper Plan B is to launch his own music publishing company were wholly refreshing to my ears, not only due to the fact that he is fulfilling a lifelong dream of his own, but that he is set to do the same for a whole host of budding young talent. The Brit Award winner will be teaming up with EMI in the deal with 679/Atlantic Records. 

According to musicweek.com earlier this week, while Plan B, real name Ben Drew, will be “overseeing the signing and development” of new talent to the company, record company and music industry impresario EMI will be undertaking administrative duties on a global scale.

While Drew’s long list of musical awards and accolades undoubtedly qualify him for the role (the singer has won prizes in the MTV Music, iTunes, Q and MOBO Awards ceremonies), it appears his talent was not the only factor considered in his selection. Vice President of the company spoke highly of the 28 year old music star as he said: “He prides himself on excelling in everything does - his music, acting and directing - he is infectious and it’s a privilege to be around his creative talents.”

Since bursting onto the music scene back in 2006 with his debut album, Who Needs Actions When You Got Words, Plan B has won widespread critical and popular acclaim. With a number one album under his belt, the follow-up The Defamation of Strickland Banks, a number of acting roles, including one in 2008’s Adulthood, and his upcoming directorial debut in Ill Manors based on the recent London riots, Drew has proven himself the poster ad for the multi-talented celebrity.

I described the news of Plan B’s foray into the world of publishing as refreshing, and in a world where celebrities seem to tirelessly milk their media persona in the interests of their bank balance, an achievement which sees an artist furthering their own talents while simultaneously giving back to society can only be admired. 

Thanks to the likes of YouTube and MySpace, music and discovering new talent has taken on an infinitely more organic guise in recent years. It only seems apt then, that a home-grown talent such as Plan B is being given the responsibility to discover the future success stars of the music industry. If his own wealth of talent for writing and producing is anything to go by, the future of the music industry looks very bright.

In this way, kids should also be encouraged to try something new occasionally if not everyday. The build up of their 'Plan B' should start now so that they go into the world with a lot of talent rather than just one. Starting a new hobby or allowing them to develop a new liking for an activity is a perfect way to get them thinking that they can go beyond their original skillset. The world really is their oyster.