Let's be honest....
How many of us really analyze what we read, or what we let our children read?
Some of us don't thoroughly analyze what our children read until it's too late or until our children are giving us funny looks. When your children come to you confused and ask "Mommy, what does this mean?", and you can't or don't want to answer it. .... that is when you know it's time to start analyzing those books.
As for me, I think it's good to look at the books your choosing for your student's or children; but lets face it, we all don't have enough time to sit a read each and every book for our students. That is when you turn to the school librarian, other teachers, and my all time favorite.....GOOGLE! Looking up book reviews on the Internet is a great way to get a taste of a book without all the hastle.
As a teacher it is part of our job and our responcibility to monitor what type of information our student's are recieving. So, this means that taking the time out to pick good, appropriate books for our students is important.
Tips: Just a few tips....
- look at the words in the book
Pay attention to the words and if they are on grade level with your students. A few "big words" are not going to hurt, and a simple read is also good. Make sure that the content is appropriate for the lesson your teaching, or appropriate for that student.
- look at the pictures in the book
The pictures in the book are the first thing your students will look at. Pictures are an important part of the context of the book. Who says you shouldn't let your students make inferences from the pictures? I say, "if it helps them to make connections to the story, and comprehend the story, then let them do it!" Look at the pictures, let your students look at the pictures.
