English Literature is a crucial part of a child’s development, in analysing content, understanding different novels and breaking down complex themes in storytelling. It’s also a great place for children to learn about how to construct sentences, develop their grammar skills and more.
There’s also a distinct difference between Literature and English Language that is taken into account in education. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the importance of English Literature in modern day education with the guidance of this private school in Dublin.
English Literature and English Language
Both are incredibly important to a child’s education and are often split into separate subjects during GCSE or A Level studies. English Language focuses on the specifics of writing, speech and other forms of communication into finer detail. Literature on the other hand focuses more on reading material, encouraging children to pick up more books, understand themes within stories or poems and thematic analysis of works.
Students learn a whole range of vocabulary
From continued reading of books, poems and other pieces of content your child is developing an advanced level of vocabulary that they can use in a multitude of situations. It gives children a lot more tools to understand different contexts and situations where they can use these new found words. A lot of speech and communication skills are taught through reading your favourite novels.
Teaches children to learn something from a different perspective
A lot of novels touch upon the world’s greatest struggles and put into a new perspective that can show the reader how much of a problem something can be. Race, gender, ethnicity and wealth are often visited subject matters where your child will begin to learn how to dissect these issues and how they reflect on society. Additionally, your child will be able to form their own opinions on these subjects while having the tools to be able to talk about difficult topics, debate and other ways to communicate.
What’s taught in English Literature lessons is often transferable
What you pick up in studying English Literature can be used in a lot of other subjects that rely on opinion, essay writing and having a depth of vocabulary at your disposal. English Literature teaches students about culture, history and analysis of themes within texts, which can be used when studying History, Religious Studies, Business Studies and Geography, among other subjects at school. It’s a great tool to have in your child’s belt when it comes to exams as well, especially as a lot of exams are heavy on essay writing.