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Grade: Senior
Subject: Literature

#1937. Introduction to American Romanticism

Literature, level: Senior
Posted Sat Sep 2 17:52:52 PDT 2000 by Terry Anderson (Tanderson@usd306.k12.ks.us).
Southeast of Saline High School, Gypsum, Kansas
Materials Required: Starburst Fruit Chews
Activity Time: 20 minutes
Concepts Taught: The difference between the Age of Reason and the Age of Romance

After we have accomplished the arduous task of finishing the age of reason, I hand students a starburst fruit chew. Then I ask them to write down the logical thing to do with it. Then I ask them to write creative things to do with it. We share entries and every year, somebody comes up with something even more creative. Of course, the logical thing to do with the Starburst is to eat it. Using this analogy, I discuss the differences between the Age of Reason and Logic and the Romantic more creative period.