ENHANCING READING SKILLS THROUGH CLASSIC LITERATURE: A METHODICAL APPROACH USING THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

Аннотация

This article explores the pedagogical value of using classic literature—specifically O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi—as a methodological tool for enhancing students’ reading skills. Grounded in reader-response theory and schema-based learning, the study examines how literary texts can serve as accessible yet intellectually rich materials for developing vocabulary, inferencing, and interpretive comprehension. Drawing from classroom-based interventions and existing literacy research, the article presents structured reading activities, discusses observed outcomes, and assesses the effectiveness of classic short stories in fostering critical literacy. The findings suggest that the integration of canonical narratives into reading instruction not only elevates linguistic competence but also cultivates deeper cultural and emotional engagement. Keywords: Classic literature, reading comprehension, literary pedagogy, The Gift of the Magi, schema theory, reader-response theory, vocabulary development, interpretive reading, secondary education, literary scaffolding, cognitive engagement, emotional literacy, authorial method, educational methodology, gender in literature.