Why We Love the Public Domain
One thing about teaching gifted readers is that no matter what literature we choose, someone in the group inevitably has already read it! I don’t prefer having my kiddos have to duplicate, so it’s a challenge to make each new read a whole new experience (and keep eager friends from accidentally spoiling great books for others!) Adding to the challenge is that we strive to find high-level texts that are not only entertaining, but are complex and have great vocabulary. We’ve got some consummate favorites and have also used lists like this and this. But one of our favorite sources of new text ideas lately has been the public domain!
First of all: what is the public domain?
In general, works are in the public domain if they were published before 1923 or were unpublished works of an author that died over 70 years ago. Anonymous works that are 120 years old or more are also in the public domain. Helpfully, Belmont University right here in our home city of Nashville has published this handy flowchart to help us determine. When in doubt, always check copyright dates twice and if you can’t decide, assume the copyright exists—especially if you plan to monetize (sell something using the text).
Why are these texts so great?
The most basic reason for this is also the simplest— because they are older stories, many students have not read them. There are also tons of great public domain texts that have also been made into movies, many by large movie producers like Disney. It helps that many students will be familiar with these texts through their cartoon version or abridged version while never having read the original text. We also love the straightforward, narrative style, complex vocabulary, and unique storylines presented. It’s cliche to say, but they truly don’t make ‘em like they used to, and it can be a really rich experience to go back and read these classics.
What’s in the public domain?
More than you think! Since things published before 1923 are all in the public domain there are tons of great poems, stories, and novels to choose from. Some great ones we love are:
Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
Beatrix Potter’s short stories
Aesop’s Fables
Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm
My Fathers Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
And so many more! For a great list, check out this resource from the Library of Congress.
Anything else teachers should know?
Yep! First of all: preview! Sometimes the language is more complex than you’re expecting, sometimes content hasn’t stood the test of time and is not appropriate for students (even when the source material has been made into movies, like Dr. Doolittle, or some of the Just So Stories). Antiquated or offensive content can often be edited out without losing storyline, but definitely make those edits before using with students!
Also, if you’re unsure how to wade in, be sure to check out our resources. We have great comprehensive units based on Beatrix Potter, the Just So Stories, My Fathers Dragon, and more. Once you get a feel for these go forth and see how else you can use public source material!
What public domain sources do you love? Have any other great ideas (including sources for poetry?) Let us know in the comments!
