John Neufeld

EDUCATORS --- teachers, librarians, graduate students, etc.

I know this is a hard lesson to learn, but today your students know more about everyday life and its problems and dangers than you did at their age. Trust them.

As I travel, I hear more and more frequently, probably due to the success of Harry Potter, that reading aloud to a class has become not simply the fashion, but hugely effective in introducing reading as a pleasurable activity to children. I encourage you to investigate this experience.

I also encourage you to let students pick their own books, with a minimum of interference and /or worry. I understand the pressures that build on those in our school systems --- the power and anger of parents, often less informed than we might like; administrations, which often seem to flake out when you most need them; the growing powers of your own students, who sincerely believe if "It's" not happening, and "It's" not happening to them, then "It" can't be important or real. Having taught school myself (grades 5 through 8), I know the pandemonium that can sometimes (if not every day) lower your spirits and make you question your career choice.

On the other hand, we are in this game together. We decided that this is what we want to do, and we need to do it well. In fact, we --- you and I --- need each other --- I certainly need you as a conduit to young readers; ideally you need me to help involve them in their daily work and to lead them into young adulthood safely and well-informed about what lies ahead.

Even if as little as ten years separates you from your students, not to mention a greater age-span, times have changed since you were a student. That is something we must remember, parents and educators alike. The problem kids face --- drugs, rock and roll, sex, separation and divorce, illegitimacy, racial bias, anger, frustration and depression --- did exist during our own times. The difference is that those problems were almost subterranean then. Today, they're above ground and in the open, and students must face and deal with them.

Together, we may be able to make their lives more comprehensible and fulfilling. Let's try.

I'd be happy to hear from you, if you have the time, at: jnbooks@sbcglobal.net.