Sherlock Holmes is one of the most recognizable literary characters of all time. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the fictional detective has been captivating readers since the late 1800s. While the stories were written over a century ago, they remain relevant and interesting to readers of all ages. That is why teaching students about Sherlock Holmes is both enjoyable and educational.
The Sherlock Holmes series features intelligent and creative problem solving, making it a great tool to use while teaching analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Recently, the popularity of Sherlock Holmes has only increased with the release of movies and TV series adaptations. But with more adaptations, it can be difficult for students to distinguish what elements are actually from the original work. That’s why it’s important for educators to educate their students (particularly those who are new to the series) about the original texts.
One way to introduce students to Sherlock Holmes is to start with the classic novels. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892), The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1894), and The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) are excellent starting points. Each novel features a different mystery for the iconic detective to solve. This makes it easier for students to understand and learn how Holmes solves problems. With each mystery, students can prepare for the unexpected and anticipate how Holmes solves each case just by using his intellect and critical thinking skills.
Another way to teach students about Sherlock Holmes is to make interactive activities. For instance, you can turn one of the various mysteries into a game where students can put themselves in the shoes of a detective. This allows students to take ownership of their learning and learn analytical thinking in a fun way. Educators can also prompt debates about key elements of the stories. For example, is Sherlock Holmes a hero or a villain? Or, should Holmes use his abilities to solve moral dilemmas like whether to tell a lie to save someone’s life?
