Should Harry Potter be available in the classroom? Absolutely. Each of the Harry Potter books are rich with imaginative imagery and fantastic events. Of course the classroom must be in the higher elementary grades, but isn't that common sense? Well, maybe we shouldn't go so far as to give everyone credit for using common sense. I remember when I was a kid in elementary school and my mother wouldn't let me read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe because it was blasphemous in her opinion. There will be parents who refuse to let their child read Harry Potter and the teacher will have to respect that. Who are we to say that these books shouldn't be available. If Harry Potter gets kids to want to read then we should let them have access to it. Of course the argument can be raised that Penthouse may also get children interested in reading but that doesn't make it appropriate. It's a matter of taste an opinion. I believe these books should be available.
Would I use it as part of my instruction? Probably not. I absolutely encourage any students to read Harry Potter independently, but if I were to use it as part of my instruction there would be students who wouldn't be allowed to participate. How tough would it be to get started on one of these books and really get the kids into it and the next week you get 8 letters from parents saying that "their child will not read this filth?" I am a an avid supporter of raging against the machine, but when it comes to educating children I believe I would go with what would be most beneficial in the classroom. Now if I were to send out permission slips to parents before beginning Harry Potter and I got positive responses from all, Hogwart's here we come!
In the book there is magic, wizardry and witchcraft; that is what the book is based on afterall! However, there is no vulgarity or inappropriate material in my opinion. I actually think this book exemplifies bravery and courage. Harry is thrown into this life that he didn't know he was a part of and he excels with ease; to me, that is a good message to send our children. I love it. I loved it when I read it in high school. So censor this!
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lol--- I hear ya loud and clear. Excellent blog. ~~~Brooke~~~
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness you had me rolling; You are crazy but I agree with you 100 percent!
ReplyDeleteI really like your common sense attitude and pragmatic solutions here! It's easy sometimes to come up with an absolute rule and stick with it to the bitter end, but it seems to me to be more practical to use "common sense".
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about having parents weigh in after students have already invested an interest in Harry Potter. I love how you take a stand on issues. Girl, you wouldn't know it from my nature, but I am so with you on the rage against the machine issue.
ReplyDeleteRage against the machine...YEAH! But Harry Potter is a wonderful fantasy book that gets children interested in reading. I love your post, you really have a great approach in your logic girly!
ReplyDeleteAshley, you are so darn funny. I love to hear and read everything you say. I agree with you on the rage against the maching. Keeping writing these blogs because they are straightforward and funny!
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