TEACHER'S CORNER: BOX THE BASALS; PICK A GOOD BOOK INSTEAD

The best way to teach literature -- have students read good books, says Becky Crow, junior high literature teacher at St. Vincent de Paul School.

"I've had the unique opportunity at St. Vincent's of developing a reading program based strictly on young adult novels," Crow explained. "I had heard about using novels as an alternative or compliment to basal (traditional textbook) reading and was intrigued by the idea."

She pitched the idea to then principal Carl Rosenquist who gave her the go-ahead.

"We boxed the basals, and I spent months with my nose in books choosing for my kids."

Now her 120 junior high school students learn the elements of a good story strictly with paperback novels.

"They can fold, hold and carry (the novels) with them in their pockets," Crow said. "They read every night because my ultimate goal for them is a lifetime habit and love of reading."

Crow uses their reading experiences as springboards for daily discussions on values, motivations, what makes the world go 'round, and the millions of other ideas that reading stimulates.

Each of her six classes reads at least 10 books a year.

"Is it a lot of work -- six novels going at once? Well, it's confusing sometimes...but I love it," she said. "My job is reaching kids and my kids are a challenge as only 11-, 12- and 13-year-olds can be.

"But the change, the camaraderie, and the comedy that takes place every day is my reward," Crow said. For example, she said, one day, a boy asked her, "Mrs. Crow, is that your real hair color, or did you get that out of a bottle?"

"I realized there's never a dull moment, and that's why I teach. A laugh a day will keep me young -- won't it?"