D & Z 3/4

In these chapters we examine the use of textbooks for educators. The chapters cover many topics on textbooks such as the drawbacks and strengths of using textbooks as a tool. What I would like to focus on from this reading is the concept of building your classroom library. In this chapter the authors suggest an alternative to having to order 150 of the same textbook. They suggest ordering enough for one class that stays in the class lending opportunity to use other more inventive readings and materials for homework because the students cannot take the books home. Building a library of materials in class seems like something I will definitely steal from this reading. When I did my observations in FNED 346, my teacher had one set of textbooks for each class that the students could refer to as a resource in class but for homework he had cabinets filled with readings and activities that he could easily copy and handout to the students. This may be because the school did not have the funding to get every student a textbook but still allowed for more autonomy in lesson planning for the teacher. This seems to be a common situation in public schools. When I attended East Providence High School we had textbooks that stayed in class and the teacher had other materials that we brought home for homework. Being able to give the students assignments that vary in style allows for useful skills to develop rather than simply assigning material based on a singular source. I also like the concept of building a class library as a teacher because it allows teachers to be more dynamic in their instruction. If you are constantly examining new resources to add to you library you are enriching your content knowledge as well as becoming a more well rounded educator. Furthermore, it helps students develop research skills if you assign a project and then ask your students to find relevant information from your collection of books, magazines, articles, etc. The textbook is a staple in a classroom but they should be used to supplement lessons rather than shape them.