From: Neil Sklar <rp_mcmurphy>
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2001 13:09:02 -0400

The points made on CCBC in the last week about the need for humorous books and otherwise comforting stories at a time like this are well taken. But I think that it is a mistake to exclude literature that will help children to understand what is happening. As has been pointed out, children (and adults) have been deluged by news sources. My students, however, do not easily distinguish between fact, opinion, and speculation. For many of them, everything they hear becomes fact whether the source was CNN, Comedy Central, or something overheard at the deli. The children also feel a NEED to understand, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of questions they have for me whenever I open the floor for discussion.
         At any time, and especially at a time like this, there needs to be a means of escape. But I think that to facilitate escapism at the expense of an appropriate exploration of what is happening in our world is a mistake. Fear of the unknown is much more terrifying and dangerous than rational fear.
         Just my two cents. Neil Sklar
Received on Wed 19 Sep 2001 12:09:02 PM CDT