BLOG 3 EDRG 3321

As a teacher we are responsible for determining what is appropriate for the classroom. When you are evaluating weather or not a book is appropriate you should ask yourself some questions. Here are some examples:

· Is this a good story?
· Is the plot believable?
· Did the main character overcome the problem, but not too easily?
· Did the climax seem natural?
· Did the characters seem real?
· Did the rest of the language sound natural?
· Did the characters fit into the setting?
· Was the theme worthwhile?

I do believe that evaluating a book is value based. It is impossible not to be. It is human nature for us to rely on our values in every aspect of our lives. Including evaluating books for our classroom. To deny ones values is to deny oneself. As a teacher we just have to remember that our students values are not going to be exactly like ours and try to respect that as much as possible without limiting their education.

A character/setting analysis of children's books should be done in order to better understand the story. The purpose of an analysis is to help the students dissect the character. For example to help the students understand weather the character was dynamic or static. Or understand the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization. This accomplishes a deeper understanding of the story in its entirety. It allows them to see it more clearly and relate it to themselves others they know.