This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast Ep 92: Helping Literal Thinkers with Literature Analysis. This post is running concurrently on Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network.
Homeschool Highschool Podcast Ep 92: Helping Literal Thinkers with Literature Analysis
Many teens haven’t reached the developmental stage where they can think symbolically. Those non-symbolic teens are called “literal thinkers”.
There’s nothing wrong with being a literal thinker…except that it can be a BIG challenge where it comes to literature analysis. Literature analysis tends to lean heavily on inferential thinking (reading between the lines) and symbolically (metaphors, similes, analogies). This is difficult for literal thinkers.
Most teens will hit the developmental stage where they are thinking symbolically and inferentially. (In Human Development classes we call these types of thinking part of a process called *metacognition*.)
When they reach this developmental stage, they will also be able to see differing perspectives on a character or plot. But until then, Sabrina, Vicki and Kym share some thoughts about helping teens think in more mature levels.
In HSHSP Ep 92, we discuss:
- The benefits of study guides in helping ease literal thinkers into symbolic and inferential thinking
- Ways to use quality movies as literature for analysis
- The benefits of discussion of analysis with family and/or peers
- Cinema Studies post with literary devices
Got a teen who thinks concretely? Literature Analysis can be a challenge. Join us for some tips to help. In the meantime, here are some links with more good information.
How about a freebie to find out how helpful study guides can be:
Anne of Green Gables Study Guide FREE!
Here are some other helpful posts:
Literature Analysis, Literal Thinkers and Movies in High School
Cinema Studies for Literature Learning in your High School Homeschool Co-op
10 Great Discussion Questions for Homeschool Literature Co-op
