Official Twilight Saga News  

Teenage girls (and their older counterparts) can’t seem to get enough of Twilight and especially its male star, Robert Pattinson.

But some are less keen on the handsome vampire, criticising the books for their lack of literary value and in particular their portrayal of love-sick Bella. Now as the passion for both books and films shows no sign of abating, Rachel Simmons (who describes herself as an “author, educator and coach helping girls and young women grow into authentic, emotionally intelligent and assertive adults”) has come up with her own Twilight Lesson Plan….

To be blunt, Ms Simmons is not a fan of Twilight’s Bella. She writes:

“No matter how you slice it, Bella Swan’s one reason for being is Edward Cullen. She’s got no hobbies. She’s got no opinions. She pretty much has no friends. The girl has nothing on her or about her that extends beyond one burning, fangy desire: Get. Edward. Back. Is it any wonder that when Bella extends her hand to the mind-reading Italian vampire, he is stunned to see “nothing?””

But she still has suggestions for how to talk to girls about the film (and books) and recommends not being too rude about them (the girls love the films, she points out, so there’s little point over-insulting them and being patronising or offensive). Instead she suggests chatting about love and relationships (I’d recommend not falling for a vampire, personally) and following her own educational activity plan. It’s well worth a look, including a session on “Love as addiction” and asking the class whom Bella is better off with, Edward or Jacob, or if, in fact, she’d be better off on her own.

The plan includes the following:

Ask the Team Edward and Team Jacob groups to come up with a short presentation about why Bella would be better off with their character. They should provide clear evidence and consider the following questions, among others (feel free to add your own prompts):

1.    How did your character treat Bella?
2.    What impact did your character have on Bella’s emotions and on her life in general?

Team Bella can prepare an argument about why they believe neither guy is worth Bella’s time. Like the other groups, they should be ready to provide evidence.

After each group makes its presentation, allow the opposing group to challenge with questions and debate.”

The Twilight Lesson Plan follows on from the Susan Boyle lesson plan, which I wrote about a while back. I’m interested in the fact that popular culture is making its way into the classroom, and that teachers are feeling that should respond to TV/books/films in this way. I just wonder what the Celebrity Big Brother plan could teach us….

Read School Gate:

Should children watch TV at school?

The best TV shows set in school

Would you send your child to Hogwarts?