Pytash: Jago Chapter 3

Choosing Which Books to Teach:

Jago opens this chapter stating that the most important decision a teacher can make is concerning what books he/she chooses to teach. While doing observation hours at Firestone High School, I was told that a lot of districts structure what should be taught in specific grade levels, so each student in the district is learning the same thing. The teacher also told me that the teachers have the free will to teach these lessons using whatever text they choose. Before then, I had never thought about what texts I would necessarily want to use in my classroom concerning classic literature. In Chapter 3, Jago provides us with criteria for choosing books, which I feel is going to be tremendously useful when I have to start planning lessons.

Jago believes texts that:

• are written in language that is perfectly suited to the author's purpose;
• expose readers to complex human dilemmas;
• include compelling, disconcerting characters;
• explore universal themes that combine different periods and cultures;
• challenge readers to reexamine their beliefs; and
• tell a good story with places for laughing and places for crying.

The criteria that Jago lists are avenues for students to enrich their understandings and experience. She also went on to list the books that she reads with her classes the entire school year and the number of books they end of reading is very alarming. I never remember reading that many books in my high school career, let alone in one school year. I am however excited that she did share this information because it shows me that it is possible for high school students to tackle classic literature and at a pretty fast pace. Most importantly it is vital that I know as a teacher, a great deal of the success of tackling classic literature is my responsibility. My lesson plans and unit projects have to be well thought out and prepared. Lastly, one of the most intriguing facts Jago mentioned in this chapter was how certain titles of classic literature have become institutionalized in our middle and high school English classes. There have been findings that there has been little to know change concerning the texts that have been used over the years. I believe this information raises multiple red flags. While these texts are classics, I believe it is important for us to adopt new literature.