Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is largely in response to a reader from NJ below who takes issue with teaching Harry Potter as great literature. I am an aspiring librarian, with a BA in English Lit, and former student myself who wants to scream NO! as loudly as possible to this person's antiquated ideas. There are hundreds of books out there that are termed "classics" that will (and should be) taught to youth. Unfortunatly many of these are boring and make children think of reading as a chore for years to come. Why should fun books and educational books be mutually exclusive? I would not teach ONLY Harry Potter in a classroom, but if it will get kids to read I would definitly make it part of the curriculum. At the age this book is aimed at (5-8th grade I assume) shoving classics down the throats of children should be secondary to opening the world of literature to them. There are more books than can ever be taught in any school, give students the interest in reading to find out which ones they want to read themselves. The Harry Potter books are wonderful. The plotting is at an almost adult level. They are complicated and full of symbolism and concepts that most childrens books gloss over (or dumb down). However, instead of intimidating a young audience away, Harry Potter is showing children as young as 8 that reading is one of the most wonderful pastimes available to them. It's working! Please, as educators, parents, and librarians, encourage that. I read those "classics" in Middle School, Johnny Tremain and The Moon is Down almost lost me as a reader forever. They were dry and horrible and full of educational value. It was the seldom taught, but much loved, book Rebecca that showed me what reading has to offer. Remember, no book is a classic until looked at in hindsight, and has stood the test of time, but I would put money on Harry Potter still being around in 20 years.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Literature Guide: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Grades 4-8)
Includes a colorful teaching poster and engaging activities!A complete guide to teaching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Includes an author biography, background information, summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, as well as creative, cross-curricular activities and reproducibles that motivate students.
No comments:
Post a Comment