In the realm of language arts education, the mastery of point of view is a critical skill for students. The ability to understand, identify, and analyze different perspectives enriches their comprehension and literary analysis capabilities. Through a strategic selection of read alouds, students can not only grasp the nuances of point of view but also develop a genuine enjoyment for this literary element.
Identifying Point of View: Unveiling Perspectives
Memoirs of a Fish by Devin Scillian
Devin Scillian's "Memoirs of a Fish" serves as an ideal introduction to point of view. As you read this captivating book aloud, delve into discussions about the unique perspective presented. Take it a step further by introducing a 3rd person point of view passage, allowing students to compare and contrast, thus enhancing their understanding of narrative viewpoints.
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
"School’s First Day of School" by Adam Rex offers another engaging perspective. Written in the 3rd person point of view, the thoughts and feelings shared are solely those of the school. Extend the lesson by encouraging students to write from the first person point of view of either the teacher or one of the students, fostering a deeper connection with different narrative voices.
Dirty Laundry Pile: Poems in Different Voices (Selected by Paul Janeczko)
For a diverse exploration of point of view, "Dirty Laundry Pile" provides a collection of poems, each narrated from the specific viewpoint of various objects or animals. This read aloud not only hones students' identification skills but also encourages them to infer perspectives, supporting their insights with evidence from the poems.
How Point of View Shapes Stories
They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
Brendan Wenzel's "They All Saw a Cat" brilliantly illustrates how point of view influences both a story and a character's perspective. The narrative unfolds as each character sees a cat in a distinct way. Engage students in discussions about how individual viewpoints shape the perception of the cat, fostering a nuanced understanding of narrative perspective.
Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young
Similar to "They All Saw a Cat," "Seven Blind Mice" by Ed Young explores different characters' perspectives as they encounter different parts of an elephant. Use this read aloud to reinforce the idea that a character's perspective significantly impacts how events are perceived and retold.
Comparing and Contrasting Perspectives
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
"The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt offers a delightful approach to comparing and contrasting points of view. Each crayon, with its unique experiences, expresses strong feelings through letters to their owner. This read aloud not only captivates students but also prompts them to analyze how individual perspectives shape the story.
Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne
"Voices in the Park" by Anthony Browne introduces four different characters, each offering their version of a walk in the park. Ideal for exploring and comparing diverse points of view, this read aloud deepens students' understanding of how varied experiences can influence individual perspectives.
Mixed Up Fairy Tales
Engage students with the enchanting world of mixed-up fairy tales. By comparing and contrasting these adaptations with their original versions, students gain insight into how the point of view of a story and the perspective of characters contribute to narrative differences.
Next Steps for Teaching Point of View
For additional practice in distinguishing between 1st person and 3rd person point of view, consider having students rewrite a short 3rd person read aloud from the 1st person perspective of one of the characters. This activity encourages a focus on feelings, thoughts, and character-specific perspectives, advancing beyond a mere identification of pronouns.
To solidify point of view skills, seamlessly integrate them into various reading activities throughout the year. From guided reading groups to independent reading, consistently embed point of view analysis, fostering a continuous development of this crucial literary skill.
As a practical application, incorporate exit slips or focus questions during independent reading sessions. Prompt students to identify the point of view of their chosen book, provide evidence supporting their analysis, and craft a brief blurb elucidating how that particular point of view influences the narrative's portrayal of events.
Conclusion
Mastering point of view is undoubtedly a challenging yet rewarding endeavor for students. Through thoughtfully selected read alouds and strategic activities, educators can guide students towards a profound understanding of narrative perspectives. By immersing students in the diverse viewpoints presented in literature, we pave the way for a generation of analytical readers capable of unraveling the intricacies of storytelling.
