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In a story, the point of view—who is telling the story and how it’s being told—consequently affects our point of view as readers. There’s a "relationship" between the perspective of the person telling the story and the person reading the story. I made this point clear when I told students two different versions of a well-known classic: The Three Little Pigs. First, I had students recount the version they are familiar with—the one told in third person point of view. The three little pigs are seen as innocent and the Big Bad Wolf is deemed the bully, as he terrorizes the pigs’ lives. Then, I read students my favorite version of this story, entitled The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. In this version, rather than taking on the third person point of view, the story is told in the first person point of view, through the eyes of the wolf. As a result, the readers view the wolf more sympathetically. He is no longer the “Big Bad Wolf.” In fact, he tells readers from the very beginning, “You can call me Al.” He becomes more personal to us, as readers, as he takes on this identity, and our opinions of him change for the better. When we learn that he was simply trying to visit the pigs' homes so that he could borrow sugar for his “dear old granny,” we care more about "Al" and relate to him. He becomes a sympathetic character.
Although this might be viewed as “a kid’s story,” we explored it on a deeper level. We dissected The Three Little
Pigs. We analyzed it. We broke it apart. In doing so, students examined not only the point of view, but they also discussed the characterization of the wolf in this story. As with most of my lessons, there is always a deeper message that I want students to take away. The mother in The Three Little Pigs advises her youngsters, “Whatever you do, do it the best that you can because that's the way to get along in the world." The theme of this story is to take your time in whatever you do and work hard in order to become successful. It’s no coincidence that I chose this story around this time of the year. The MCAS is upon us next week. This means taking all the tips/tools I’ve taught students. Look over past Weekly Updates and materials from this class (including information on Greek/Latin roots, figurative language, and active reading strategies). Browse through the MCAS documents on my website once again. (Check Edmodo over the weekend for an MCAS terminology quiz.) The day of the test, take your time. Most of all though, the way to start the day off right is by being well-rested. Eat a hearty breakfast. Go into the test with a good attitude. Be confident. I believe very much in all of you, and all I can ask of you is that you do your best. Now, please believe in yourselves...
- Ms. Sanford