Harry Potter Book Magic for Kid’s Literacy
Jul 24, 2007
We’ve talked a lot about the importance of literacy on this blog and how traditional children’s leisure activities (like reading a good book, for example) are on the decline in today’s digital playground.
That being said, children’s literacy scored a major victory this past weekend thanks to the release of the final Harry Potter book. Kids in all English-speaking nations turned off their TVs and logged off the Internet to hunker down with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which was released this past Saturday morning at midnight.
Not that the popularity of the final Harry Potter book is that surprising. After all, the Harry Potter books are one of the biggest series ever. What is surprising, however, is that the book release and subsequent fan-demonium occurred only a mere week after the release of the fifth Harry Potter movie, The Order of the Phoenix.
Now, if we look at children’s recreational trends of the past few years, all signs should have indicated that the MOVIE would be more popular. After all, movies are part of the media-literate vernacular right along with iPods, video games, text messaging, computers, etc.
But, for one weekend, kids unplugged and the more traditional, and decidedly un-digital, activity of reading reigned in popularity.
Fans of all ages lined up in bookstores at midnight to buy the book and be the first on their block to find out what happens to Harry Potter and friends. In fact, this past weekend was a record-breaker in Canadian book sales.
Maybe the record-breaking weekend for reading happened because the book is the last in the much-loved series and has been promoted since JK Rowling announced the finale. Or maybe it was because it was the second weekend of the movie, but in either case, whatever gets children excited about reading and looking forward to reading is a good thing.
For the sake of children’s literacy everywhere, I hope that Rowling reconsiders and continues working her unique brand of literary magic—a magic that gets kids excited about reading.
Comments(6)
Find this article online at: www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2007/jul/24/harry-potter-magic/
Kevin P., Morristown, NJ - Jul 26, 2007
My son has been through every test that our local school has. Although he has a slight speech problem, he has always seemed very bright to his mother and I.
The Morris Hills schools diagnosed him with A.D.D. and of course we were concerned. He loves video games and movies. He speaks to us about them with excitement. He has also made his own films for school and is extremely creative as a result. SO, should I be concerned?
Sunday night we raced to the local Barnes & Noble in Denville, NJ to get him the new and last Harry Potter book. He has loved this series and we have wanted to promote his reading as opposed to games or TV.
He was finished by Tuesday. He barely moved from his favorite reading spot. Can a child with A.D.D. read a huge chapter book like that in less than two days?
Who cares...he did. Thanks Harry!
Nina Sculler, Oxford Learning Manalapan - Aug 1, 2007
Check to see if there is a CAP issue here. Often it manifests itself as A.D.D. Most A.D.D kids can't sit still long enough to read a 100 page book, let alone one that is >700 pages.
Bobi - Aug 21, 2007
I decided to check out your site because I'm looking for tutoring for my daughter. However, I am very disappointed that Harry Potter book on sorcery is being promoted on your site. Thank God that my children know how to stay away from TV and games without counting on learning to cast spells, cast curses, etc.
Jessi - Sep 25, 2007
Quite the contrary Bobi, the book Harry Potter is a phenominal read. I was advised against reading it for the same reasons you mentioned, however, it doesn't teach you how to cast spells or curses. If you read the books along with the millions of others around the world you'll realize that it is just a well written book, where the author truly knows how to envelope the reader into a world where anything can happen. It's the same as in any fairy tale or Disney movie where good vs. evil (there is also witchcraft in many of these I might add). Rowling inspired imagination in her book and it really has brought people to see the values that books hold over activities that do not stimulate the mind. I say we need more authors who bring such wonder into reading.
Joey - Mar 3, 2008
I hated reading and writing, I thought all books were horribly tedious and other adjectives describing distaste. Until I was talked into reading the Sorcerers stone. I loved it and I wanted more and more, this was simply for pleasure and pleasurable it was. It's not trying to convince you magic exists. Its a tale weaved amazingly and book seven is forever on my favorites list. I then went on to read more fantasy which I have a passion for. I definitely have to say giving reading a chance has greatly helped me in school, I am currently working on a book and reading plenty as well. We'll just see if the last book in the Eragon trilogy is as pleasing as HP book 7. =D
Stephen - Sep 16, 2008
I am an English teacher, and I love reading, particularly in the realm of fantasy. I don't read this genre with the expectation to learn new life skills, or to gain insightful information into anything 'worth' knowing. I read fantasy because I thoroughly enjoy reading a good story with interesting characters; where you can get caught up in the world that the author has created and for a chapter at a time, page by page, I can be entertained. When I started reading the Harry Potter series I instantly became drawn into that world, I cheered for Harry, sympothized with him, celebrated with him. I loved every bit of it and couldn't get enough of it. I loved guessing what was going to happen next, and I was amazed by how well written the story was. Rowling is masterful at pulling all the elements of the story together to create a complex story that will keep you turning page after page until the end. Harry Potter is not going to teach your kids that this is reality, that your kids can do magic, curse people, etc. Many of the aspects of the school culture in the book reflect the realities of school cultures around the world. The interesting thing about these books is that they actually can teach you something about love, forgiveness, acceptance, child-parent relationships, friendship, hard work, consequences, righteousness, justice, dignity, social relations, propaganda, etc... it's all there through the dialogue and interaction of the various characters that we love to hate and love to love. For anyone out there who believes that these books are promoting sorcery and witchcraft that will corrupt your children and detatch them from the realities of their social environments...I think you need to read the books, or read them again for those of you who have, and pay attention. If your kids are interested in reading these books, why would you take away that experience? Let them read it, let them love it, and love the most important thing that these books have accomplished: that kids, teenagers, and adults alike are reading them, and loving them. They are reading. Isn't that enough?
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