I think Harry Potter should be available in my classroom. Children should have a variety of books to choose from in the classroom. Schools should find any opportunity to get children to read. Books like Harry Potter can create interest in the child for the better instead of the worst. I do not think Harry Potter books are any more dangerous than media or our society. Kids are faced with going into school where they have the potential to be hurt or killed by another student. Children who hurt others are usually too realistic. Harry Potter may be a great source for them to escape their troubles. I think imaginative books can become coping mechanisms for children. Banning books is a problem for other generations. People in the past never stopped "inappropriate" items or behavior. For example, Elvis was video tapped from the waist up to appear less sexual. Today, women are being degraded in music videos with the least amount of clothing. Future generations becomes desensitized. Media and society becomes more graphic due to the desensitiztion. Children of today can handle much more than a child from the 1950s. I think Harry Potter is a big deal now; however, in a few years children and parents will lose interest. Another book or topic will come out to stir controversy like pain-killing anesthetics in the past. They are knowledgeable to know the difference between fantasy and reality. I think children are drawn to the book because they are introduced to a character or universe that they know nothing about. Harry Potter books are about exploration of a new world. I do not think Harry Potter's world is any different than discovering America for the English.
I do not think I would use Harry Potter books as part of my instruction. I think Harry Potter is a book for individual reading instead of class reading. I think teachers should encourage children to read popular books. Also, teachers should encourage children to read books they have never heard of before the class. Children can discover an idea, story, or character that they would not have picked if a teacher did not expose them to the book. Children would be bored in school if they already read Harry Potter on their own. The teacher should pick books that are new to students. The class is able to offer better discussions and perspectives when they are exploring the book together at the same time. The teacher and class form a bond when they get to read a book together. Harry Potter books provide a great plot with great vocabulary. Children can easily become engaged. Harry Potter is complicated but not overwhelming. Children seem to be drawn to magic and imagination. Harry Potter could provide many interesting writing responses and discussions from children. Harry Potter would be different than a realistic book like Because of Winn Dixie. Teachers should have a variety of genres for their class to read. Each book will create followers depending upon the personalities of the students. I am not sure if Harry Potter would be relevant to the standard course of study. I am sure other books than Harry Potter are better. The end of grade tests are looking for information not the most current book. Children may be interested in a book; however, the book may not be able work effectively in the classroom lessons. The individual teacher must decide if the book works well enough to endure criticism from parents. I do not think parents should worry about magic when violence is a bigger issue. Books like Harry Potter may be a problem depending on the location of the school. For example, the southern Bible belt may condemn Harry Potter before California due to regional differences. Teachers must know their schools and community in order to make the choice if a book like Harry Potter is right for their classroom. Finally, Harry Potter must be worth fighting for if a teacher considers creating lessons around the book.
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I, too, would not teach the book in my instruction because like you, I think the book serves more as an individual reading instead of a class reading. In my response, I welcome the book and it would be nice to see a child fascinated by the book in the classroom; however, I feel the school library is the place for books like Harry Potter. Don't get me wrong, books like the Potter series are great for children and I encourage this kind of reading.
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