Pop Literature allows students to enjoy passion

Do you find reading relaxing? Or how about a hobby? Many students here at Aurora have no idea there is a class designed strictly just for students to find enjoyment through books.

Member of the class Leah Angelo explains, “ It is fun, not stressful, and it is like recess, but through books.”

Here at Aurora High School there is a class called Pop Literature. Yet, in many students honest opinion the class is not well known. Many questions arise such as what is it? Why take it? Is it an elective? However, due to a fresh start up of this class recently in the year of 2018 questions are nearly expected. It is time to clear those questions up.

As teacher of the class Toni Taylor thoroughly explains the course stating, “Exploring Popular Literature is a one-semester course that explores both the concept of popularity as well as literature that is typically deemed “popular.” In addition to reading, writing, listening and speaking about several core texts, students in this class also engage in independent readings of popular texts they find personally appealing.”

With being a one semester class there is an immense curriculum in a small period of time. However, along with productive work students emphasize the class is nothing but enjoyable.

Teacher Toni Taylor summarizes the curriculum explaining, “ Students are provided class time to read their books of choice at least 2 or 3 times a week. During these days, we read in the Media Center, where we can enjoy the ambiance and comfortable chairs. Once a week we watch a TED Talk or an enlightening video about a concept regarding reading and reflect on the subject matter and how it relates to our own lives. Sometimes this reflection is done using an EdPuzzle, and sometimes on a Google Doc. We’ve investigated book awards and their meanings, celebrity book clubs, Twitter and Goodreads. Book talks are also essential to this course; we share what we’re reading with our peers and give an overall summary and review of it (not giving away the ending).”

Leah Angelo emphasizes the enjoyment of the class stating, “I wish it was a full year class. Definitely my favorite class I’ve taken here at Aurora”.

All students are involved in many different activities and most have lost the time to find their love for reading. Pop. Lit allows students to read for pleasure not because its an assignment.

Toni Taylor emphasizes this as her favorite aspect of the class, stating, “ I enjoy seeing students read for pleasure. Students lead busy lives, and providing them time during their busy day or busy week to read and jump into an alternate universe is essential to maintain mental health.”

If you are a student who truly loves reading or is simply looking for a class that is nothing but enjoyable, Angelo says, “ It’s a 100% recommend. Everyone should take this class if they are given the chance.”