7 Steps to Selecting Appropriate Literature

For most parents and educators, whether to tolerate behavior like bullying or cheating is a no-brainer. But not all decisions are that black and white. Choosing which books we allow our children to read, for example, can be a challenge, especially for parents and teachers who hold fast to the biblical mandate in Proverbs 22:6:  "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." 

By following specific criteria and applying careful evaluation, Ignite Christian Academy encourages the spiritual and academic benefits that students gain from studying both Christian and non-Christian literature in a safe and appropriate manner.

Here's why:

Because we live in a fallen world, inspiring children to read appropriate, non-Christian literature in a nurturing environment gives parents and educators an invaluable chance to prepare students to observe their culture judiciously and from a biblical perspective. In fact, elements of Christian truth are present in many novels that are not specifically Christian.

From an academic standpoint, classic literature can provide invaluable insight into past culture and mentality. Because that knowledge continues to be a standard requirement for many college-bound freshmen, ICA includes classics in its curriculum to offer the best possible education.

However, our emphasis on the importance of reading suitable works of fiction and non-fiction does not mean we condone the actions of the characters. Rather, we use the characters' choices as an opportunity to help students discern right from wrong, encouraging discussion about these differences in a safe and nurturing setting.

So, how should parents and educators evaluate literature to determine what is appropriate?  Before delegating a book to the safe or off-limits category, consider these seven questions about the text in question.
 

1. Is negative behavior normalized? Does the literature justify behaving in a way that is morally wrong, or does it show that there are consequences for sinning and rewards for virtue?
2. Does the work make righteous people or righteous decisions look unreasonable?
3. Does the literature have excessive violence or profanity without reasonable context?
4. How important is the book to that study unit and the lesson's purpose?
5. Can the literature be used to guide students toward virtue and truth?  Does it provide students with the opportunity to discern right from wrong?
6. Does it give students a better understanding of society?
7. Does the story prompt the reader to think about love, forgiveness, integrity, and other biblical themes?

Vigilantly assessing literature with these questions can help parents and educators determine the difference between appropriate and inappropriate literature. In turn, parental evaluations allow ICA to assign more literature, confident that we are helping our students grow as Proverbs 22:6 commands.

The teachers and administration at Ignite Christian Academy pray that our parents will partner with us in using important literature to further our students' growth academically, personally, and spiritually.