Assignment 4

Do you agree/disagree that the book should be available in the classroom?

I believe that this book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone should be available in the classroom. If I was using it as part of a lesson plan or activity I would be straight up with the children no matter their age that it is a fantasy book. They could no more do the things that Harry and his friends do in the book than they could when compared to any other fantasy or science fiction book, nor should they try. Some such books I might give them examples of when trying to make this point are Where the Wild Things Are, Jumanji, Holes, or The Neverending Story. I believe that this book should be available to any student who shows interest as long as the parents have not expressly forbid it.

Would you use it as part of your instruction? Why or why not? What problems would it present? What benefits would it offer?

I would use it in my classroom as part of my instruction and would have it available to any age appropriate student. It could be used as an example of learning a lesson about interfering, bravery, and friendship. It might bring up questions about whether students can do magic or not. I would then explain that it is a fanciful book that is just for reading enjoyment.


Reflect about the book and the issue of censorship.

I love all of these books but I understand peoples issues with them. When I say I understand that does not mean that I agree. I see nothing wrong with allowing these books in school especially in the library. If a parent is openly against their child reading this book of course I would not defy the parent. I can see how some might have a problem with their children reading about witchcraft and wizardry. The term witchcraft brings up such dark and disturbing imagery as well as thoughts about devil worship. If some of these people that feel this way about this book would take the time to read it or even watch the movie they would see that their fears and assumptions about the book are for nothing. These books in no way describe devil worship or other dark things. When I think of the term censorship I think that it means that one person wants to keep another person from learning about something. One way they do this is by taking out part of a movie, article, or book. The other way they do this is by not letting that person see any part of it. To me it's absurd to even entertain censoring Harry Potter from children to read. If the parent or teacher has any inclination that the child might take it too far they should just explain to that child that it's just a book. I have read all 7 books and seen every movie. When Cameron is older if she wants to read or watch them I will let her. Okay, my rant is over. If any of you reading this have not read the books or seen the movies I encourage you to do so, especially if you think they should be censored.