Recognition of Diversity in the One and Only Ivan from Literature-based Language Lessons

摘要

This paper is focused on recognition of diversity inThe One and Only Ivanfrom literature-based language lessons. A literature-based approach in the second language (L2) classroom offers a variety of benefits. It encourages sense-making or meaning-making of a whole text (story, poem, etc). Fountas and Hannigan (1989) contend that once students understand the general meaning of the whole text, they are better prepared to deal with the analysis of the parts. A literature-based approach also promotes active engagement and collaborative work so that learners contribute to class activities through direct interaction with either the instructor or with peers. They also participate through sharing information, asking questions, and reflecting on their understanding, as well as working together to make sense of the text under study. Another advantage of this instructional approach is its incorporation of a human component so that learners can identify with characters who face common human conflicts and problems, such as fear, hate, love, etc. Learners have the opportunity to reflect on the characters’ actions and choices and then discuss whether they agree or disagree with the characters’ decisions (Adair-Hauck, 1996). Furthermore, a literature-based approach supports integrated as opposed to segregated skills and, as a result, its associated activities usually target in one lesson all the skills involved in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.The purpose of this lesson is to put into practice some of these benefits. To carry out this intention, a story entitledThe One and Only Ivanby Katherine Applegate (2012) was chosen. This story tells about a Old gorilla named Ivan who has been struggling with his current situation and forgotten his real life. One day while Ivan was considering, his old friend Old Stella died a very lonely and left young little elephant Ruby. At last Ivan and Ruby are both adopted by the same zoo. The story ends with Ivan and Ruby adapting to their new habitats and the other animals they will live with. I analyze this story with literature-based theory. This story was selected based on five components suggested by McWiliams (1993): Time and setting, Characters with personality, A major problem, Includes a problem and attempts to solve it, Has a quick resolution and ending. From these I prove the significance of a variety of culture.