In Defense of the Hunger Games

One of the goals of the Thinking Matrix is to move students towards being able to take a well-informed critical stance on challenging ideas and issues.  This week my grade 6 students moved into critical stance mode independently.  One of the girls came into class irritated that a few people that her mother knew were criticizing the plotline of The Hunger Games.  For those who have somehow missed the brouhaha, in the book children fight to the death.  My student was most irritated that these adults were voicing opinions without having read the book.  This led to a passionate discussion about the violence in the novel, book banning, maturity, parental guidance in choosing books and individual rights to read what one wishes.  The class has decided that once our iPads arrive they will organize themselves into groups and host a book talk podcast in defense of The Hunger Games. Seriously, it doesn't get any better than this for a teacher!