Week 5- Post 1- Taryn

In response to Leo and Jeff:

I think we have to refer back to Janet's post when she says that there's not necessarily a "right answer" to all of these questions. Although we feel we know what would be best for our students, each individual situation is obviously going to vary.

I agree with both of you in the sense that MTV may not be the best station for anyone to watch 24/7, but my point is- if it sparks your interest, it will likely lead you to something else. I don't think it'd be smart to consistently allow a student to read celebrity gossip magazines in the back of the classroom, but why not do your own research for that student and find a book on something that has to do with something similar: the perception of famous people or how the paparazzi has gotten out of control or how the laws that should more greatly protect those in the public eye or whatever else can relate back to The Enquirer that the student refuses to put down.

I'm just saying that we should use their interest in things (any things) to spark them into greater understanding and further interest. There are millions of pieces of literature, articles, and commentaries about pop culture today, so why not use these sources as a tool of enlightenment instead of simply taking away the source of the spark?