Drama

FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

In "Dialogue with a Text," Robert Probst explains, "If we accept the idea that literature ought to be significant, that readers have to assimilate it and work with it, that transforming it into knowledge is more significant than memorizing the definitions of technical terms, then we need to find some ways of bringing readers and text together, and of forcing upon readers the responsibility for making meaning of text." The best activities, then, encourage students to make their own meaning out of what they read and to discover for themselves the beauty of great literature. In practice, this lesson allows students to choose objects and ideas on their own. Without fail, given this chance, students choose the significant symbols and themes in the play and are able to explore their meaning with little prompting or direction.
Further Reading
 Robert E. Probst. "Dialogue with a Text." English Journal 77.1 (1988): 32-38.

http://www.webenglishteacher.com/hansberry.html

http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/raisin-sun-quest-american-dream

http://www.shmoop.com/a-raisin-in-the-sun/teaching.html