The most impactful books I read in high school were either banned or challenged in the education system. I couldn't believe there were people that didn't know books existed because they weren't allowed in the school. It all seemed like an incredible disservice to me. Books are meant to be read. Banning can take place due to sexual content, profanity, racism, violence, or religion, but there are also countless other reasons that can come up for reasoning.
I'm not sure someone should have the power to take a piece of literature out of the hands of an individual, especially children who cannot make the choice for him or herself. Of course, there is content in books that may not be suitable for students due to age or maturity, but it is up to the adults to be advocates for their students and never say no to reading.
As a teacher, I see a few different approaches on how to approach parents that don't want their children reading certain things. It is always the parent's choice if their child should read something or not. Communication is the key to ensure that parents are aware of what is taking place in the classroom and what is about to be read by their students. Explaining the topics and conversations that will take place in the classroom can help the parents make an informed decision about books that their children are reading. If parents don't want their child to read a certain book that doesn't mean it has to be taken away from all the other students as well.
Books can change people and the world. Technology gives us access to basically everything that has ever been written. Supervision over this is needed but does not need to take literature away. Teachers need to be equipped with the tools to advocate for their students so no one is missing anything that can change their life.
I'm not sure someone should have the power to take a piece of literature out of the hands of an individual, especially children who cannot make the choice for him or herself. Of course, there is content in books that may not be suitable for students due to age or maturity, but it is up to the adults to be advocates for their students and never say no to reading.
As a teacher, I see a few different approaches on how to approach parents that don't want their children reading certain things. It is always the parent's choice if their child should read something or not. Communication is the key to ensure that parents are aware of what is taking place in the classroom and what is about to be read by their students. Explaining the topics and conversations that will take place in the classroom can help the parents make an informed decision about books that their children are reading. If parents don't want their child to read a certain book that doesn't mean it has to be taken away from all the other students as well.
Books can change people and the world. Technology gives us access to basically everything that has ever been written. Supervision over this is needed but does not need to take literature away. Teachers need to be equipped with the tools to advocate for their students so no one is missing anything that can change their life.
Great post! I do agree that schools or a district for that matter should not ban any books. Many of those books can yes have some sexual content, profanity, racism, violence, religion, but it is more to it then that. I believe that a student should be exposed to those types of books as long as they are mature to understand those concepts. Some of my favorites books happen to be banned or challenged such as Cut, 13 reasons whys, Speak and Sold. What are some banned or challenged books have you read?
ReplyDeleteThirteen Reasons Why was one of my favorites in my high school along with Looking for Alaska! Different Seasons by Stephen King is also in the top of the list that my high school teacher actually fought for to not be banned so she could teach it!
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