I am a teacher in the high school and middle school. I like to think of myself as an avid reader, and therefore very knowledgeable about young adult literature. I have since been corrected. Beginning this course was one of the best things I've done as a teacher. Before, I felt like I would surround myself and class with many books that would be good for tweens/teens. This Young Adult Literature course has opened my eyes to a new array of literature. My thinking is consistently being challenged as far as what is appropriate for young adults. Sometimes I wonder if the kids reading these books are able to handle the content and the depth of knowledge needed to comprehend the story. Students will inevitably be exposed to the themes presented throughout young adult literature, and therefore need a place to explore, read, and discuss these intense themes. Some major themes that I've taught before include family, survival, controversy, love, etc. The depth of these themes have changed over time. When I was a student, themes were presented, discussed, and we moved on. Now, I feel like I have been replicating my own learning. This can be a slippery slope because there has been a lot of change since I was initially learning about teaching. Society has put a whole lot more pressure on us as adults to make sure our students understand these complex themes earlier and earlier.
If I think back to middle school-high school, I don't remember exactly, but when the issue of drugs and alcohol came up, I know I was much older than the students are today who are presented with the same issue. Peer pressure is continually heightened because of social media. Kids are seeing more and more and thinking that things may be acceptable, but are they really? Is it the job of the teacher to show or introduce these complex themes and issues? How can a teacher show what is acceptable, while not casting judgement so students will feel safe and want to open up? Where does the focus shift from parents to teachers in regards to the social education of the students? I always feel like it is my responsibility to educate my own children about what is socially acceptable in restaurants, in society, etc. I am not sure how I would feel about my child's teacher presenting these issues. I do wonder, though, about those students who do not have that role model at home. How can a teacher broach those tough subjects, without crossing the line and stepping on the toes of the parents?
I feel like I am creating more questions than I am finding answers. However, the best learning happens in discussions with those familiar with the situations or experiencing the same issues. Teachers engaging in discussions with other teachers seem to promote a deeper understanding and answers to questions that otherwise may go unanswered. Overall, I'm hoping to find these answers to have the best possibly relationships with students to promote their learning. We are all here for the students and need to understand their thinking, empathize with them, and lead each child to meet their full potential. And so goes life...
Megan, I totally agree that students now are facing serious topics much earlier than we were, and I fear this is only going to get worse. There may not be answers to the questions we are asking, but with our guidance and partnership with parents, I feel that we can make a difference in the lives of our students. We can learn alongside our students, and we can encourage our students to empathize, to love, to learn, to read, to explore, and to achieve to their full potential by being honest and open, by sharing our knowledge and our passion for ELA. It seems like a long shot, but we can make it happen just by being excellent teachers. Sometimes all it takes is one teacher to make all the difference, and I think all of us hope to be that one teacher for at least one student.
ReplyDeleteMegan, I loved all of your thought-provoking questions. I also loved the point about how you aren't sure how you would feel about your child's teacher presenting social issues in class. I think there is such a grey area for that. It is hard to know which students are receiving the guidance from home and which are not. Or maybe I am wrong, maybe it's easy to see.
ReplyDeleteI liked the part where you said, "Students will inevitably be exposed to the themes presented...therefore need a place to explore, read, and discuss these intense themes." I think that is the purpose of YAL and how it opens the doors for much needed conversations.