Do nothing or say something?

Pebble_Cafe

I have a 2nd grade teacher that refers to a certain series of books as “garbage” and “trash”. She will not allow her students check these books out. Doesn't want them in her class. Those are pretty much her words. This is the second week I have caught her doing this. I can respect the fact that she feels they are not written well, BUT to go on a tirade of how trashy they are really ruffles my feathers. She wont even let them look at them.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

I have a meeting (unrelated to this) with the principal on Monday, do I bring it up? I’m not expecting to change her mind or for her to relax her rule. I just find her behavior unacceptable.

I don’t think I can bite my tongue a whole school year.

Pebble_Cafe

eeek, sorry for the funky format/font. At least I see weirdness.

I have a two more classes coming in so I might not be able to check back for awhile. Thanks in advance for your thoughts/advice.

SnShne322

I'm not one to ruffle feathers usually, but I might at least mention it.  I guess I wonder how far this behavior extends, you know? It's one thing to not suggest it or tell her students that she doesn't care for the book for reasons X, Y and Z, but I don't think it's OK to forbid it.  I'd start to wonder what other things she'd forbid or call trash.

Lauren620

Have you talked to the teacher about it?  I guess I don't understand how a teacher can impose a ban on books just because she doesn't like them.  Maybe you can ask your principal how she feels about the situation without giving any names or to see if she has a suggestion as to how you should proceed.

SusieBW

Is the book series available in the school library?  Like, it's generally acceptable in the school and for kids in that age group?  If so, I think I would say something - the kids should be able to read what they want and form their own opinions.  I know nothing about being a teacher or school politics or anything like that, though, so mine is a really uninformed opinion and should be taken for what it's worth.  It seems inappropriate for this teacher to be so discriminatory.

I'm totally curious what series of books it is, though!

pinkybooklover09

Lauren620 said:

Have you talked to the teacher about it?  I guess I don't understand how a teacher can impose a ban on books just because she doesn't like them.  Maybe you can ask your principal how she feels about the situation without giving any names or to see if she has a suggestion as to how you should proceed.

This exactly and WHAT SERIES OF BOOKS? 

krispy83

Assuming the series is appropriate for the age level (which I'm guessing it is), I would definitely say something.  What if there are kids in the class who have already read and really enjoyed that series?  Then she is probably making these kids feel bad about their reading habits, which is a real problem.

As an English teacher, I tell my students that I want them to read what they enjoy - whatever that may be, as long as it is appropriate for their age group.  I can't imagine telling kids that certain books are trash or banning them from my classroom.  My goal is to get my kids to read more.  What do I care if it's a book I don't particularly enjoy?  As an adult, no one is going to tell me I can't read a certain book, so I don't feel that I have the right to say that to a student.  Only the kids' parents can make that call.

84Lauren

I MUST KNOW of which books you are speaking.

And, assuming they are not wildly age-inappropriate, I would absolutely say something.

MrsJenE

I can't respond until I know which series.

Pebble_Cafe

It's the Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine. The are very popular and the other 2nd grade teachers, no other teacher for that matter has an issue with students checking them out.

 

MrsJenE

Pebble_Cafe said:

It's the Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine. The are very popular and the other 2nd grade teachers, no other teacher for that matter has an issue with students checking them out.

 

That's complete bullshit. 

RevJen

That sounds like it's a personal belief for her.  I don't think that should be condoned but I don't know if you should mention it to the principal without discussing it with her first.  Maybe she thinks that the material isn't age appropriate for her class.  I don't know.

Lauren620

What??? I loved Goosebumps as a kid!

sonore32

LOL...I'm buying goosebumps as a Halloween present for the 2nd grade boy I nannied for 4 years! I had this planned for the last month but this post reinforces my belief.

mrsvedo

MrsJenE said:

Pebble_Cafe said:

It's the Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine. The are very popular and the other 2nd grade teachers, no other teacher for that matter has an issue with students checking them out.

 

That's complete bullshit. 

Totally agree. This series is definitely age appropriate and should not be banned by the teacher. If the parents don't approve, that's their prerogative but the teacher should not be dismissing them and berating kids who read them. That's only going to discourage the kid from reading. And that's not cool.

84Lauren

I would personally talk to the principal about it directly instead of bringing it up with her.  I don't think any good could come of confronting her about it, and if you tell your principal in a professional way why you are concerned, he/she can decide whether to address it.  It's the principal's job, not yours.

But I would ABSOLUTELY talk to the principal. That is not cool, and this bookworm Mom would be PISSED if that were happening in my kid's classroom.

LadyMacaron

Pebble_Cafe said:

It's the Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine. The are very popular and the other 2nd grade teachers, no other teacher for that matter has an issue with students checking them out.

 

What?! Goosebumps was EVERYTHING to me when I was in elementary school. R.L. Stine is a national treasure! Give those kids some joy! Those books are what led me to Stephen King in 7th grade.

MrsC7

What @84Lauren said.

tammy79

As a parent this would make me so angry, so yes please talk to the principle directly. 

Savanna111911

Goosebumps were like the only books I would read for like 2 years of my life. Kids love goosebumps. Hell, I love Goosebumps. I'd rather see them reading that than nothing at all.  Say. something.

krispy83

Totally agree with @84Lauren.  I would definitely talk to the principal.

For a long stretch (like a few years), Goosebumps books were the only books one of my brothers would read.  He seriously read nothing else.  I would hate to think that some teacher could have potentially stopped him from reading what he wanted to read.

Pebble_Cafe

Okay, thanks everyone!

I will talk to the principal. I have not talked to the teacher directly. I'm weary of bringing it up with her because I only see her when her class come for library time. I rather not have any discussion in front of students. Besides, there is hardly time with me helping the kids and checking out.

My plan is to talk to him about my concern - what I observed/heard - but not name names. Is that reasonable? 

Pebble_Cafe

LadyMacaron said:

It's the Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine. The are very popular and the other 2nd grade teachers, no other teacher for that matter has an issue with students checking them out.

 

What?! Goosebumps was EVERYTHING to me when I was in elementary school. R.L. Stine is a national treasure! Give those kids some joy! Those books are what led me to Stephen King in 7th grade.

That's what I was thinking!

Pebble_Cafe

mrsvedo said:

MrsJenE said:

Pebble_Cafe said:

It's the Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine. The are very popular and the other 2nd grade teachers, no other teacher for that matter has an issue with students checking them out.

 

That's complete bullshit. 

Totally agree. This series is definitely age appropriate and should not be banned by the teacher. If the parents don't approve, that's their prerogative but the teacher should not be dismissing them and berating kids who read them. That's only going to discourage the kid from reading. And that's not cool.

Yes! Exactly. If a parent comes in and doesn't want their child reading certain books, okay. I may not like it and feel bad for the kid, but it's their decision.

mrsvedo

Pebble_Cafe said:

Okay, thanks everyone!

I will talk to the principal. I have not talked to the teacher directly. I'm weary of bringing it up with her because I only see her when her class come for library time. I rather not have any discussion in front of students. Besides, there is hardly time with me helping the kids and checking out.

My plan is to talk to him about my concern - what I observed/heard - but not name names. Is that reasonable? 

I think naming names is called for here, but tactfully. I like that you haven't called her out in front of the students. Teachers have a tough enough time without having students see them being challenged by their peers (although the teacher is CLEARLY in the wrong here).

When you go to the principle I'd start out by asking his expectations regarding teachers banning age appropriate books from the classroom. After he responds, I would bring in the specifics of the situation.

Good luck and way to look out for the kids!

mrsvedo

Also, post an update after you do it!

84Lauren

Pebble_Cafe said:

Okay, thanks everyone!

I will talk to the principal. I have not talked to the teacher directly. I'm weary of bringing it up with her because I only see her when her class come for library time. I rather not have any discussion in front of students. Besides, there is hardly time with me helping the kids and checking out.

My plan is to talk to him about my concern - what I observed/heard - but not name names. Is that reasonable? 

I would say if your principal is worth his salt, he will ask who it is, and then you should tell him.

84Lauren

Pebble_Cafe said:

Okay, thanks everyone!

I will talk to the principal. I have not talked to the teacher directly. I'm weary of bringing it up with her because I only see her when her class come for library time. I rather not have any discussion in front of students. Besides, there is hardly time with me helping the kids and checking out.

My plan is to talk to him about my concern - what I observed/heard - but not name names. Is that reasonable? 

I would say if your principal is worth his salt, he will ask who it is, and then you should tell him.

Pebble_Cafe

mrsvedo84Lauren. I'm still new to the school setting and trying to navigate teachers, parents, administration can be overwhelming.

I'll let you know how it goes on Monday.

booknerd226

If one of those kiddos was my child, I would be pissed. I would at least say something to her, if not the principal.

SRodi811

KrsCrp83 said:

Assuming the series is appropriate for the age level (which I'm guessing it is), I would definitely say something.  What if there are kids in the class who have already read and really enjoyed that series?  Then she is probably making these kids feel bad about their reading habits, which is a real problem.

As an English teacher, I tell my students that I want them to read what they enjoy - whatever that may be, as long as it is appropriate for their age group.  I can't imagine telling kids that certain books are trash or banning them from my classroom.  My goal is to get my kids to read more.  What do I care if it's a book I don't particularly enjoy?  As an adult, no one is going to tell me I can't read a certain book, so I don't feel that I have the right to say that to a student.  Only the kids' parents can make that call.

This exactly!