Harry Potter in the classroom

[Cordelia]

I was a substitute teacher for a year and never knew of any teacher to actually assign the Harry Potter books as you describe. They are usually used during "story time" and the teachers don't usually explain the darker side of the books. They simple read the story. And some will discuss the chapter with the kids, but mostly the books are simply read and left at that. The kids don't even get a copy of the book. The teacher reads it aloud at the front.

Good point - that's exactly how I remember Roald Dahl's children's books being used at my school. They didn't read The Witches to us and then start discussing real life child kidnappings and murder with us! Those were a lot darker than Harry Potter, but we knew it was all fantasy. A child who comes from a strong Christian home will know the books are only pretend.

 

[Gil-Galad12]

I was introduced to HP in my High school English class. My teacer was a huge Potterhead, and we went really in depth into the first book. After that, most of us in the class read the other books later on.

 

[smileygirl0716]

i don't see any problem with it being taught in the classroom. Most children that have read have liked at least some part of the series.

I live in South Mississippi

 

[but'n'ben]

I'm from Scotland and totally in favour of this. When I was at school, the school ran a readng incentive that we would chose one 'world' ie horror, detective, classic and read four books in that series. We'd have to write a short review on the book and for every five worlds completed the school would give us £10 book token. This was a good incentive for a lot of people to read but at the time there were no books which everyone couldn't wait to read. Nowadays it's 'I can't wait till the new PS2 game comes out' so to hear a young teenager or child eagerly awaiting a new book is a great thing.

I know if I had kids I'd be reading them Harry Potter and encouraging them to read it themselves. It may not be everyone's cup of team but it's still more eductaional than computer games.

 

[but'n'ben]

Good point - that's exactly how I remember Roald Dahl's children's books being used at my school. They didn't read The Witches to us and then start discussing real life child kidnappings and murder with us! Those were a lot darker than Harry Potter, but we knew it was all fantasy. A child who comes from a strong Christian home will know the books are only pretend.

If it wasn't for Roald Dahl, I wouldn't be the reader I am. Fantastic Mr Fox was my favourite!

 

[Lordismyobsession16]

I think it's okay because it open children up to read more books and that always a good thing.

Conyers, Georgia

 

[redkingjoe]

Nope, I think YOU guys are in the wrong forum, lol. This is definitely The Book Club, not the role playing section.


That said, I don't have a problem with teachers reading it to their students or using it in the classroom. I love the books and children definitely seem to be receptive to them. My daughter is in kindergarten and I've noticed her bringing home HP stamps and playing cards and stuff (things they earn as rewards from the "treasure box"). If it opens up a childs mind to reading, I think it's wonderful.

BTW, I'm in Tennessee.

1 could someone please tell me what's meant by a role palying section?

2 i strongly agree that "If it opens up a child's mind to reading, I think it's wonderful."

3 i want to talk about "captian underpants" which opens up my 12 old son to reading. before reading captain underpants, it's extremely difficult to get him reading even a single book per month despite reading a book will earn him some good prizes. after reading captian underpants' series, he develops a geniune interest in reading. he almost reads one book per day. he even volunteers himself to write book recommendation reports for the school library for a few months(one report per day)!!!!

4 we are from hong kong where english is a second language. harry potter is regarded as difficult book even for higher forms of student.

 

[Lithium Hobo]

Harry Potter is about as dangerous as Clifford the Big Red Dog. Well, I suppose it being a big red dog, and if it got angry...no, no the books are harmless.

Religion has no place in the public schools. Imagination is key.

 

[Lexi/is/a/JesusFreak]

im 15 and still in school. i have read all the harry potter books and see nothing wrong with them. i think they would be good in the classroom. because if you look at it, it talks about a boy who has to overcome a basically abusive home situation. its just a great fantasy.

 

[Poohbear246]

Hi, I taught seventh grade at a religious school, and did go over Harry Potter interactively without any complaints from principal or parents. They bought the book or got it from the library and I assigned journals and art projects, etc. I know there's a lot of concern that it is inappropriate for children due to themes of witchcraft and such. (At the time I was teaching it, I had no idea this controversy existed, actually, and if a parent had been concerned, I obviously would have heard about it.) Honestly, the whole witchcraft / occult thing never even came up. They interpreted it in terms of the values that the were taught at home focusing on how Harry was treated by others, how he helped others, that sort of thing.

 

[Billnew]

1 could someone please tell me what's meant by a role palying section?

.

Role playing section, I beleive is the people that play games where the people "play" a characture in a game. Such as Dungeons and dragons or similar. They are saying it's a reading book not a role playing game.

The objection from the religious is that the use of "Magic" or supernatural power other then Gods power is against God. Be it in book or story, or in real life.

To me Fantasy is fantasy. I played AD&D and other similar games.
It taught me about Chivalry, feudal times, honor, and about Mythology and
about other religions in history. Some ficticious,some religions of old.
It taught strategy, thinking through problems, and overcoming obstacles.

IMO The world has enough real problems for religion, without creating a fantasy problem.
Now if you don't mind I have to go kill some orcs.
(Billnew places shiny helm on and pulls out his +2 broadsword.)

 

[covenant914]

The only issues I can see are:

age appropriateness
diffusing the religion question

These books are well written, fairly formulaic(quest, initiation) and can easily be adapted to the classroom.

BTW "formulaic" is in no way a criticism.

North Carolina

 

[Dandelion]

For people who have problems with the HP series being about witchcraft/occultism they should read

Looking for God in Harry Potter by: John Granger.

It is a very interesting take on the series.

 

[covenant914]

Actually, I teach Sunday School (HIgh School) and we have determined that Harry is a Christ figure.

Raised in a land not his own (Egypt)
Miracles when young
Reception of three gifts by Magi(cians)
Friends with the poor (Weasleys), questionable women (Hermione) - rejection of the purebloods (traditional Jews)

Went past Cerberus (who guards the gates of Hell)
Descended into the depths
tempted by Voldemort (Epitome of evil?) who promises power
Conquers Voldemort (mort=Death)
Lies in a coma for 3 days
After leaving the hospital room the first people he sees are his best friend Ron (Peter?) and Hermione (Mary?)

Don't think that Rowlings did this deliberately but rather talking about the Power of Myth

 

[Gil-Galad12]

Actually, I teach Sunday School (HIgh School) and we have determined that Harry is a Christ figure.

Raised in a land not his own (Egypt)
Miracles when young
Reception of three gifts by Magi(cians)
Friends with the poor (Weasleys), questionable women (Hermione) - rejection of the purebloods (traditional Jews)

Went past Cerberus (who guards the gates of Hell)
Descended into the depths
tempted by Voldemort (Epitome of evil?) who promises power
Conquers Voldemort (mort=Death)
Lies in a coma for 3 days
After leaving the hospital room the first people he sees are his best friend Ron (Peter?) and Hermione (Mary?)

Don't think that Rowlings did this deliberately but rather talking about the Power of Myth

Wow. Those are some very interesting connections. Kudos. :applause:

 

[AngylBelle]

They are FICTION books that are actually enticing today's children to read! As long as the subject matter is not vulger or inappropriate, I don't see a problem with fantasy being taught in schools. It is not as if the teachers are teaching that wizards and magic are real and endorcing it. It is PURE FICTION and should be praised for pulling kids away from TV and video games.

 

[YC Bearzie]

I am from BC, Canada

I think they should be aloud in class. They are woderful books. I just think that kids should know what is real and what isn't.