Reading and Writing Fiction

In Valerie Mulholland's article, she answers the question, "Is Reading and WRiting Fiction Still Relevant for Students in Contemporary Canadian Secondary English Classrooms?" Her answer, in short, is yes.

Mullholland begins by pointing out the important fact that "fiction and story are synonymous terms." The thrust of Mulholland's argument is that reading fiction creates a particular fusion of the body and mind that is valuable for learners. She contents that this fusion is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, there is a certain enjoyability that accompanies fiction gives students an opportunity to break free from the confines of regularity in the classroom. Also, this fusion allows students to develop creativity and explore possibilities.

As Educators, we are supposed to value all systems of belief, and ways of knowing. Mullholland points out that if we remove fiction from the ELA curriculum, we "create a hierarchy of knowledge that advantages one way of knowing over another, one group over another, one students over another."

It's the fusion of body and mind that allows students to explore the whole of human experience. This article made me think about a comment my peer made this week about the College of Education. She said, in the wake of the passing of one of our classmates, "I so appreciate that this College cares about us as people, emotionally and academically." I have found this to be true as well since beginning my study in the College of Education. The goal is not simply to obtain a B.Ed., but to develop and grow as a whole person, spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally. Similarly, Munholland argues that ELA classes develop students' entire beings by using "stories to make sense of our being and to create meaning with others." I certainly agree with her, and am thankful for the stories that have shaped, formed and influenced my life, and specifically, my academic journey thus far.