Teaching Empathy

Rationale for Tunes for Bears to Dance To

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Robin Scallon writes a rationale for using Tunes for Bears to Dance To in the classroom. Sections of the document include: Grade Level and Audience; Plot Summary; Theoretical Support and Redeeming Values; Literary Value and Summary of Reviews; Objectives, Teaching Methods, and Assignments; Possible Objections; Why Tunes for Bears to Dance To Should Not Be Banned; Literary Qualities; Alternative Books; References; Reviews; Awards Earned by Robert Cormier; and Books by Robert Cormier. Scallon defends the use of Tunes for Bears to Dance To by citing cognitive theorists on the egocentrism of young adults and the belief that morality is learned. The 11-year-old protagonist, Henry, is developing personal ideologies and emotional independence, which makes him a good model for young readers to explore their own development. Scallon also defends the book against censorship, saying that the book helps students come to a personal understanding of the world and of a period in history students aren't familiar with. Studying literature increases empathy and awareness of social justice. She considers the plot, theme, characterization, and dialogue as unified and purposeful as well as appropriate to young adult reader abilities.

 

Robert Cormier's letter to Justin

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In this brief, half-page letter of reply to Justin, Robert Cormier appears to address Justin's questions that may have been posed in his letter to Cormier about Tunes for Bears to Dance To and After the First Death. Cormier relates his purposes in selecting these novels' topics. He conveys his best wishes that Justin continue his reading life.

RELATED LINKS:

The National Council of Teachers of English provides a link to the Center for Intellectual Freedom with its contact information for educators to find rationales for oft-challenged books. As well, this page provides NCTE position statements (e.g. Students' Right To Read) and action steps for educators around the challenge of books, and statements provided by authors on censorship.

In this 2013 TED Talk, Lisa Bu explores the vitality of creating a reading life to create a new life. The web page explains, "What happens when a dream you've held since childhood … doesn't come true? As Lisa Bu adjusted to a new life in the United States, she turned to books to expand her mind and create a new path for herself."

In this blog post by Brandon Taylor, August 25, 2016, on Literary Hub, "There is no secret to writing about people who do not look like you," the author explores the role of empathy in the craft of writing.

Teaching Empathy