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Most students groan when they hear the words “classic literature.” Classic lit has an unfortunate reputation for being dry, outdated, and boring. Furthermore, literature is a difficult subject to teach. Chemistry can at least fall back on experiments when the curriculum turns a little dry; literature requires students to actually read the text.

Some of your students are going to hate literature no matter what you do. However, if you don’t introduce your students to the wonderful side of literature, you may be scaring them off from reading altogether. Here are some tips for making literature interesting again.

Reenact It

Studying Crime and Punishment? Have your students do a mock trail based on the case. Divide Romeo and Juliet‘s main scenes among your students and have them reenact them. Act out the climax in Phantom of the Opera with action figures.This is a literal way to make literature “come alive.”

Bring Food Into the Equasion

Cook some of the meals mentioned in a book. Have students research popular food of the time period and bring them into class to share.

Let Them Interpret It

Ask your students what they’re interested in. Have the budding artist paint a scene from the book; let the future thespians act out a scene. Let another student write a poem inspired by the book. Set up individual meetings with your students to make sure they’re on the right track for what you’re looking for.

Have fun with your literature– your students will do the same.