Imagine life without any entertainment, art or literature? That surely renders life disastrous. Literature has become an integral part of human existence and students’ life for that matter. Literature is an important part of education because it helps students understand life, people and society. It includes stories, poems, plays and other forms of writing that entertain us and also teach us valuable lessons. However, some students do not appreciate literature because they think it is difficult or boring. This submission outlines some practical was by which literature can be appreciated by students through developing of personal interest in reading, discussing literary works with friends and classmates, relating literature personal experiences, watching stage performances and acting in plays and learning about the background of literary works.
Students can appreciate literature by developing a personal interest in reading. They can start with books, poems or stories that they enjoy instead of forcing themselves to read difficult books. They can also set aside some time each day or each week to read. Reading for pleasure can gradually make literature more enjoyable.
Another practical way to appreciate literature is to discuss literary works with friends and classmates. Students can share their views about characters, events and lessons in a story. Listening to different opinions can help them understand a work better. Students can also join reading clubs or literary groups where they can discuss books and poems.
Students can also relate literature to their own experiences. For example, when reading a story about friendship, they can think about their own friendships and experiences. When a poem talks about love, poverty or death, students can consider how such issues affect people in real life. This makes literature more meaningful to them.
Watching stage performances and acting in plays is another good way of appreciating literature. Instead of only reading a play from a book, students can watch it being performed or take part in a drama. Acting helps them understand the characters, emotions and events in the story.
Students should also learn about the background of a literary work. Knowing something about the writer, the society, culture or period in which a work was written can make it easier to understand. They can use dictionaries, textbooks and other reliable materials when they come across unfamiliar words or ideas.
Finally, students should not read literature only because they want to pass examinations. They should try to enjoy the stories, poems and plays and learn from them. Literature can teach important values, improve language skills and help students understand other people's experiences.
In conclusion, appreciating literature requires interest and active participation. Reading regularly, discussing books with others, relating stories to real life, watching or acting in plays, and learning about the background of literary works are some practical ways students can appreciate literature. When students approach literature with an open mind, they can discover that it is not only an examination subject but also a source of knowledge, enjoyment and wisdom.
Amanfu Evans (September, 2026)
Level 300 student,
University of Education, Winneba
Central Region, Ghana