I agree with the author of this article that the Harry Potter series has done nothing but encourage children to continue reading. There have been many complaints based on the books focus on wizardry and magic. The author makes a good point in saying, “Furthermore, if we're going to ban "witch" books, the first to go would be, sadly, the Christian allegory The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. I think that people can find a problem with all types of books. What is important, is that children are interested and reading books.
The author addresses a few book choices for 3rd and 8th grade readers that were inappropriate. He deems them inappropriate because they are written for adult readers. The content is not appropriate for young readers and the choice of language is above the reading level for the selected grades.
I do not see a problem using Harry Potter for classroom instruction in an appropriate grade. Some problems that would arise in the classroom when reading Harry Potter would be issues with themes such as wizardry and magic. As I stated previously, people (primarily parents) will find problems with all types of books. I believe the benefits of reading Harry Potter in the classroom outweigh the problems. All magic and wizardry aside, Harry Potter engages readers of all ages and the themes presented in the book help to shape the reader.
A few quotes from the article that really stuck out to me were: “What they don't have is the right to impose their will on others outside the law.” and, “I'm an advocate for parent involvement in what is viewed and read by their children.” When handling issues of censorship in the classroom, teachers need to be respectful of the wishes or parents and students. If a particular parent or student has a problem with a book, there should be an alternate assignment provided. Rather than spending time arguing over the personal opinions of censorship, it would be easier to create an assignment that teaches the same themes and ideas for the selected student. It is important to talk to children about censorship and why certain books are banned. When children have an educated knowledge about censorship they can begin to form their own opinions on books.
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I definitley agree that teachers and parents have to be careful not to push their view points onto other children. I also agree that Harry Potter should be available to students because it allows children to get excited about reading and that is what every teacher should be trying to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely see that this story should be used at an appropriate age level. That was a big point in my post as well!
ReplyDeleteAnyone can find a problem with any book. Its not that hard to pitch a fit over nothing. A parent could complain they didnt want their child to read a book because it shoes a single parent family. I believe some people are just crazy and should just be happy their child is enjoying reading because isn't that what we want anyways?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you when you say that anyone can find a problem with any book.
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