2006-09-26 05:44:24 · 14 answers · asked by just me and my crew 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
To make it clear, the words were published in the book not written in by anyone. My feeling is that the elementary school should not have books in them with curse words and I think the school should address the issue but, at the same time I don't want to make a big deal if that is the normal thing for schools. I do not want my child reading books with that kind of language in them he is only 10.
2006-09-26 05:54:53 · update #1
Okay, did the curse words originate from that book or did another student write them in there?
If the book had the words in the story then the school needs to know that the librarian is not doing their job up to par. There are rating systems for buying books for a school.
If the curse words were put in there by another student it is important you call or drop by the school and tell them your child found these in the book and that you wanted the school to know about it. They should make some announcements about being respectful of the library or privileges will be removed from those student who do not respect the rules. ie. loss of using the library or internet.. that is a better one to take away.
With your update .. the curse words depending on what they are ... are more than likely not suppose to be in the library for elementry students to read. I know they have more than likely heard the words anyhow but that doesn't matter or make it decent. So, go to the librarian and ask if the school has a review
committee for their books and if there is anyone who seperates the books by primary, junior and intermediate levels... teen books are usually a no no due to the subject matter.
Your childs school needs to be responsible for the material they provide.
2006-09-26 05:56:23 · answer #1 · answered by smilingmick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What book is it?
It would depend on a few things, for me...
How bad is the cursing? Is it just completely vulgar? Or are they words that would be acceptable in general society?
Is it a part of the story... does it help define a character?
Take, for example, the line in Gone With the Wind, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn". That is a line that people who have never seen the movie or read the book know and they know where it comes from.
I wouldn't want a fifth grader of mine cursing. Reading the occasional curse word is another story.
2006-09-26 12:53:11 · answer #2 · answered by gonefornow 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, by the 5th grade your child has obviously heard most curse words anyway. And probably not used in the right context (if there is one). If there are curse words in a book, I'd check out how they're being used. If they're totally inappropriate then I'd tell him/her she probably could find a different book. Also, you could talk to the teacher or librarian. With my own children, I try to stay on top of the curse words and explain to them what they mean, yeah, sometimes it's gross, but it keeps the communication open and lets them know what words are appropriate and when they're not. They're going to hear them and learn about them, so you might as well keep on top of it as long as you can.
2006-09-26 12:55:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
My first thought is that if the book was in the school library, it was approved and purchased by the librarian, who is trained to make decisions about appropriate reading material. Sometimes certain words just fit the context or delineate a character.
It's good that you are supervising your son's reading material. I'd discuss this situation with him and make sure he understands why they are there. If neither of you is comfortable with this particular book, I'd have a conversation with the school librarian about why it was chosen.
Remember, a ten-year-old has already heard all the words there are! There seems to have been an explosion lately of foul language being used by younger and younger cildren. Let's hope your son doesn't use them, but you can be sure he knows them!
2006-09-26 13:05:00 · answer #4 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the book. Have you read it? Is it good? Sometimes books have curse words in them, but the literary value of the book itself is well worth it. My daughter is in 4th and reads at a 7th to 8th grade level. I try to make sure I have read or read all of the books she checks out.
If there are curse words or inappropriate situations in the book, we discuss them. If it's really inappropriate, then I say she needs to wait and read that book when she's older.
Added Comments: Kids will encounter curse words in books and as long as it's only a word here and there and not the hardcore curse words(we all know what they are) I don't mind. My kids have certainly already heard most of the curse words out there.And we instill in them, that it is not appropriate language for anyone and that we expect them not to use those words. They know they're out there and they will hear them and see them, but not use them. We talk about it every once in awhile, just as a reminder and just to let them know that we pay attention to what they say and do.
2006-09-26 12:51:37 · answer #5 · answered by momofmodi 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
My nephew has read some classics that have had some shall we say soft curse words in them. He points them out to me, normally feels embarrassed they are there or totally blows it off. We don't use language like that around him (and try not to at all)and correct him if he does so he knows that the use of it is not correct. Sometimes the old rule of scolding to much over a bad thing makes the bad thing happen more often really does apply. I would say try not to make to big of a deal of it unless it becomes excessive OR he/she starts to use it in everyday language.
2006-09-26 12:54:41 · answer #6 · answered by ncgville 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get the book from the child, find out who recommended the book and try my best to make sure he stays away from such literature becos there are a lot of much better stuff to see in the library or anywhere else for that matter.
2006-09-26 12:48:39 · answer #7 · answered by beezebee25 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it would depend on the book... and what context it was written in. It also depends on the words that it used. I would talk to the principal about it.
2006-09-26 13:36:45 · answer #8 · answered by betterlife_travel 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I belive in Freedom of Speech but at an elementary level there should be some checks and balances
2006-09-26 13:17:31 · answer #9 · answered by ellc123 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your reading diet.......
Example #1
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness". William Shakespeare
Example #2
F**k Y*u! Tennessee Williams
2006-09-26 13:02:14 · answer #10 · answered by supercybernut 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋