The Importance of Classic Literature In K-12 Classrooms

The basic building blocks of our lives have always revolved around reading, writing, and understanding one another. When we think back to when we first developed these skills, we tend to revisit elementary school. Memories of storytimes on a colorful carpet, the Scholastic Book Fair, and Accelerated Reader quizzes may appear, but the reality is that literature has never ceased to teach us about the world.

From the moment students are exposed to different kinds of books, they begin to exercise their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. Their practical skills only grow when their pens hit paper, and students are able to express their thoughts and interpretations of the texts they’ve read. 

At Proximity Learning, we value the impact that literature can have on a student’s education. With our live certified teachers, students never lose the magic of storytelling, in-class discussions, and becoming well-rounded human beings.

Why is the study of literature important in K-12 education?

The study of literature is important for K-12 students because it teaches essential skills such as reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking. Literature is introduced into students’ education at such a young age because it gives them a glimpse into lives outside of their own. The simple act of dissecting books and decoding their meanings goes a long way in students’ professional lives as they are encouraged to form their own opinions and conduct their own textual analysis.

The Nation’s Report Card shows that reading scores haven’t improved in 30 years, and the pandemic only worsened students’ literacy skills. As schools attempt to regulate these scores, educational leaders need to correct the deprioritization of literature in K-12 education. Jennifer Johnson has been teaching English and Language Arts (ELA) for 4 years with Proximity Learning and is a frequent witness of how detrimental this lack of skills can be for students: “Students today are very weak in analytical and critical skills, meaning they’re still developing them, and they do not know how to do so on their own.”

What do K-12 students gain from live discussions about literature?

There comes a time when K-12 students transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” In both situations, students are gaining crucial skills that only live discussions about literature can provide. When the subject at hand is literature, the best environment for students to learn is active and in the moment. “Guided learning, guided practice, [students] need that in abundance. So when we discuss together, and we’re live together, that’s really where the connections can be made,” emphasizes Mrs. Johnson. When K-12 students have live discussions about literature, they learn to:

• Analyze and research
• Communicate persuasively
• Listen effectively
• Collaborate 
• Problem-solve

As students hone functional skills throughout their academic careers, they prepare to enter a workforce in which 93% of hiring managers prioritize these skills over specific disciplines or majors. When teachers like Mrs. Johnson are directing ELA classrooms, they ensure that their students know how to work in all kinds of situations: “I don’t veer away from pair work, small group work, large discussion, and individual work. We do all of it.” But throughout it all, students have a dedicated teacher and helpful peers to guide them to understanding and ultimately success.

How are classic texts still relevant to K-12 classrooms?

Beyond the practical skills that literature can provide, classic literature holds timeless lessons that will always be relevant to K-12 classrooms. From texts such as “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” to “Fahrenheit 451,” to “Romeo and Juliet,” students learn to become culturally literate in a world that is ever-changing. Certain literary instincts can only be acquired through practice and reading, and every student should be guided to develop these skills. 

Classic texts teach students about moral development, what it means to be human, and how passion can drive creativity. Through authors’ eloquent language, images, and details, students become immersed in diverse worlds, expanding their worldviews. Every sentence that students parse trains them to recognize that their own interpretations can reveal universal truths and messages. Most importantly, students can revel in literature and take pleasure in reading when they’re allowed to probe for specific details, work through different readings, and form their own interpretations. 

Reading comprehension questions simply encourage exploration. The beauty of literature is that there is no right or wrong answer as long as you have evidence and good connections. When students can individually express themselves with valid reasoning, they unlock a lifelong skill. 

Mrs. Johnson leads her students to be strong in their arguments during group discussions, “I talk to them about, ‘Where’s your evidence? Just like you’ve worked through your writing, when you’re speaking and listening, have your evidence ready.’ It’s essential they have evidence to back up their opinions so that others will want to listen to them and believe they’re credible.”

Flip the page with Proximity Learning

It is no secret that at Proximity Learning, we value real-time teaching and quality instruction. Your students’ success is our number one priority, and that is why we connect you with teachers who share this sentiment. Mrs. Johnson is one of many Proximity Learning teachers who are making a difference in their classrooms with every book for every student. She understands that greatness starts with the fundamentals of literature and is ready to equip her students with the necessary skills to make an impact in the world.

No matter the subject, Proximity Learning is here for you. We recognize that every aspect of different disciplines can go a long way in students’ lives, so our live certified teachers are committed to teaching your students all they can. Start a new chapter at your school with Proximity Learning to leverage synchronous virtual learning for superior student engagement in every classroom.