Blog #4

It is important for English teachers to pay attention to the Young Adult books that are popular these days. This way, they could incorporate those types of books in the curriculum. I will probably not be an English literature teacher but what I remember from High school is that teachers did not really have an opinion about the books the students read. There were certain popular books that students were required to read. The only thing the teacher might be allowed to do is inform the students of new and interesting Young Adult books and the students could be able to read it in their spare time. The chapter was interesting because it gave me more insight in the books of this generation. Books and shows have certainly changed and they do reflect our society.
            The topic of school shootings is very difficult for me to handle. I have prayed for guidance in this area and I still wonder what my role as a teacher is when it comes to school shootings. Are we supposed to talk about that issue with our students? What are the correct things to say? Those are all questions I struggle with. In chapter 6, Lesesne briefly explains that there are now books that discuss school shootings. Often times, bullying was the cause of a shooting and so it would be wise for teachers to explain the hurt and terror that can come from bullying. However, our world has become so corrupt that schools shootings are not always related to school bullying anymore. Since there is such a vast selection of books that are being published, we should monitor or censor books that are inappropriate for those students. Books, as well as the media, are very persuading and influential. This is why we need to protect our students.
            Burk provided many different strategies to incorporate reading into the classroom. If I become an ESL teacher then I will certainly set aside time to have sustained silent reading. I like that students are able to bring their own books to read. In a history classroom I will not have time for my students to read anything they want. I could make them read a history book, however, that is not always so fun for all the students. In any classroom, it is important that the teacher makes it a comfortable learning environment. I think it is vital that students are able to discuss what they are learning or have just read. This way, students are able to critically think about the information that they read. I have never done this in my history classes in high school. Instead, I learned about the importance of this in my college history and ESL classes. I will use this skill even if I teach in a middle school. It is always helpful to talk about the reading material. Students who understand it can talk and express their opinions and this will also help those students that did not understand the reading.