Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Literature

"Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Literature" by Ontario Department of Education is an educational guide written in the early 20th century. The manual provides comprehensive principles and methods for teaching literature to students in primary and secondary educational settings, particularly in Ontario. It covers topics ranging from the definition of literature, appropriate materials for different age groups, to specific teaching methods and illustrative lessons designed for young learners. The opening of the manual establishes its pedagogical aims, emphasizing the importance of literature in education. It delineates key objectives, such as developing students' imagination, enhancing their appreciation for beauty in language, and fostering moral understanding through literary examples. Additionally, it discusses the psychological aspects of childhood development and how these relate to literature preferences at various ages. The begining emphasizes that literature is more than a factual subject; it is a means to enrich students' emotional and intellectual lives, setting the stage for the illustrative lessons that follow.