TRY THIS TOMORROW: REACT TO AND CRITIQUE A TEXT
This lesson comes from The Heart of Fiction by Kate Roberts. In this chapter, Roberts points out that students often feel like they can’t question the texts presented in classrooms. Texts can become “off limits,” and students learn to accept the author’s choices without examining them. The goal of this lesson is to show students that they can critique a text and that doing so helps them become stronger, more independent readers.
Below is how you can use her idea tomorrow with Grades 6–12.
How to Teach It
- Start with a quick media clip
Show a short clip of teenagers from a TV show. Then ask:
“Is this actually what it’s like to be a teenager?”
They’ll immediately identify what feels inaccurate. This sets up the idea that representation can be off, even when the creators try.
- Connect that idea to books
Tell students they can apply the same thinking to the books they’re reading. Authors don’t always get characters, situations, or perspectives right. Students are allowed to notice that.
- Give students specific critique questions
Share a short list such as:
- Does this feel realistic based on my experience?
- What seems unrealistic or off?
- Whose perspective is missing?
- Is this how problems get solved in real life?
- What would I change?
These mirror the questions in the lesson and keep the task focused.
- Have them answer the questions
Students can work individually or in groups. If students are reading different books, have them respond on their own and then compare patterns.
- Make a quick class graph
On a scale of 1–5, have each student rate how accurately their book captures real life. Post the results. It’s fast, visual, and helps spark discussion.
- Discuss what makes a book feel “real” or not
Talk as a class or in small groups about what authors do that helps, or hurts, believability. This can lead to conversations about representation, stereotypes, missing voices, or overly convenient endings.
Students already critique music, shows, and social media. This lesson taps into skills they already use naturally and attaches them to classroom reading. It also gives them a way to talk about books that goes beyond “I liked it” or “It was boring.”
Source
Roberts, Kate. The Heart of Fiction. Chapter 11: “React to and Critique the Text.”