Although knowledge of form, structure, and historical periods enrich the study of literature, the English teacher must always keep in mind that the essence of any great work lies in its communication of "peaks" of experience, and that the author's human insights should be transmitted to students. Some principles can aid the teacher in achieving the major understanding about literature with students. First, he should select reading materials by determining what kinds of experiences he wants his students to undergo and what particular works will be relevant to them. Other principles are reading aloud to students, helping them summon up personal experiences that relate to the story or characters, encouraging frank discussion about their reactions to the work, and allowing them many opportunities to express in writing their own searches and discoveries. (MF)