Mary M. answered • 03/26/19
Lifetime Experience Working with All Ages' Reading & Writing Needs
Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series reflects life in the 1800s. Readers who have taken speed reading can be off-put by the colloquialisms native to British life, especially if they don't check to see the meanings and usages of the vocabulary words associated with the various mystery plots. So, Sherlock's deductive capabilities and an individual reader's inference abilities play important roles in the understanding of structured plot lines, hidden criminal motivations, and obvious red herrings. Therefore, closer reading is required. A student who has a great command of American English will understand the plot lines better than those who are struggling with American English pronunciations, vocabulary, or grammar rules.
I have Accelerated students read Sherlock when they express an interest in the series. I work with them to explain the 'antiquated language'. They are encouraged to keep a basic vocabulary list and an annotated story line. They keep a running list of literary expressions as we take turns reading the material. I correct misreadings of words and explain the history behind the use of some of the older vocabulary terms. Top students record the higher-level, critical-thinking literary expressions that are basic to Freshman and Sophomore English classes in colleges and other educational institutions. They keep their 'saved' notes in their personal laptops,on USB drives, etc. separate from the rented school computers that are purged once- or twice-a-year. In this way, they can take their previous writings to college, etc., having a wealth of knowledge to add to their new readings and writings in different subjects.
Basically, when reading any new material, the learner who applies herself or himself by reading what is assigned diligently and applying hands-on, critical-thinking techniques successfully will excel at learning.
