Literature and Ideas

October 1, 2024

VCS Book Choices, Books Read in Public Schools, and What Parents Should Know About Choosing Books for their Children

At Vacaville Christian Schools, we understand that the books our students read play a pivotal role in shaping their academic prowess, worldview, and faith. The literature selected within our curriculum is a reflection of our commitment to educational excellence, moral fortitude, and spiritual growth. This article will delve into the different facets of book choices at VCS, contrast them with the literature promoted in California’s public schools, and offer guidance for parents on encouraging meaningful reading habits in their children.

Our Approach to Book Choices at VCS

At VCS, we prioritize literature that is both intellectually enriching and spiritually uplifting. The books included in our curriculum and those we encourage for independent reading are carefully curated to meet high standards of quality, appeal, longevity, and influence. We strive to incorporate classic literature that stands the test of time and provides universal appeal through artistic quality and profound thematic content.

Learn more about our “guidance” for choosing books as a staff here: 

VCS – GUIDANCE for Choosing the “Best” Books for Our Students, and Why it Matters

Why We Prioritize “Classics”

  1. Expresses Artistic Quality: Classic literature is considered an expression of life, truth, and beauty, offering high artistic quality even for its own time. Classics provide timeless wisdom and inspiration.
  2. Stands the Test of Time: These works often represent the periods in which they were written, meriting lasting recognition. While modern classics may still be considered, true classics have withstood the scrutiny of multiple generations.
  3. Has Universal Appeal: Great literature touches readers profoundly, integrating themes such as love, hate, death, life, and faith, which resonate across various backgrounds and experiences.
  4. Makes Connections: By studying a classic, students can uncover influences from other great works and writers, understanding the interconnectedness of ideas and literature.
  5. Is Relevant to Multiple Generations: Due to the high quality of writing and universal themes, classics retain relevance through time, offering new insights at different stages of life.

These qualities render classical literature exceptionally suitable for scholarly exploration. They not only provide a robust grounding in language arts but also cultivate critical thinking and moral reasoning.

Public School Book Choices in California – Graphic and Not Developmentally Appropriate

The literature landscape in California public schools differs considerably from our approach at VCS. Recent controversies highlight the introduction of books and curriculum content that may include graphic adult only material, adult content, and controversial themes. Below are a couple of news articles that highlight this concerning phenomenon – please be advised, the content below is graphic and not recommended for child audiences!

How Public Schools Choose Books

Public schools often follow state-mandated guidelines and policies for book selection. These guidelines emphasize diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility, aiming to provide a broad spectrum of perspectives. However, this has occasionally resulted in the inclusion of content that both parents and we at VCS consider highly inappropriate, especially for younger readers. It is crucial for parents to stay informed and actively engage with their child(ren)’s book choices to ensure alignment with their values and expectations. This is not about politics – it’s about protecting our children from inappropriate material, and also ensuring that what we do encourage our students to read is of the highest academic quality! While this may make many of us feel uncomfortable, we thought it important to share the factual reality of what many families are up against in terms of literature choices across the public school system in California. Some of the literature material prevalent in our public school system is too graphic to even be described in this article, and we encourage families to do their own research as they feel appropriate.

Why Our Book Choices Matter

Academic Excellence

From an academic standpoint, selecting high-quality literature is essential to fostering a deep understanding, appreciation, and mastery of both language and ideas. Andrew Pudewa, an expert in language arts education (and author of our new writing curriculum, IEW), emphasizes the importance of rich, quality literature in developing critical thinking and expressive skills in students. Classic literature, with its enduring themes and complex characters, challenges students and promotes intellectual growth.

Pudewa shares on the importance of books in exposing students to complex language, saying, 

“The students who write well are always the ones who possess an extensive repertoire of words…This brings us to the next question – where do students acquire their database of linguistic patterns? What is the main source of language in children’s lives? …Other sources of language in children’s lives would be…the books that children read or that adults read out loud to them.”

Worldview Shaping

Books wield a significant influence on shaping students’ worldviews. At VCS, we are intentional about selecting literature that not only reflects but also reinforces a Biblical worldview. This approach enables students to navigate the complexities of the world through the lens of their faith, equipping them to make morally sound decisions.

Faith Integration

Our commitment to integrating faith into education is evident in our book selections. We believe that literature should not only educate but also inspire spiritual development. By reading books that uphold Biblical principles and Christian values, students can make meaningful connections between their academic pursuits and their spiritual journeys.

Guidance for Parents

Parents play a vital role in guiding their children’s reading habits! Here are some recommendations:

  1. Engage in Book Selection: Familiarize yourself with the books your children are reading. Choose literature that aligns with your family’s values and the educational goals you have for your child.
  2. Encourage Critical Thinking: Discuss the books they read, asking questions about the themes, characters, and moral lessons. Encourage them to think deeply and analyze the content from a faith-based perspective.
  3. Model Good Reading Habits: Show your children that reading is a valuable and enjoyable activity. Share your own experiences with classic literature and other enriching books.

By taking an active role in your child’s reading life, you can help them develop a love for quality literature and a strong moral compass.

Conclusion

At Vacaville Christian Schools, we are dedicated to providing our students with literature that cultivates intellectual excellence, moral depth, and spiritual wisdom. By prioritizing classic literature and carefully considering the books we include in our curriculum, we ensure that our students receive an education of the highest quality. Parents, as partners in this educational journey, are encouraged to guide and support their children in choosing books that align with the values we collectively uphold. Together, we can inspire our children to grow academically, morally, and spiritually.

Ben Davis
Vacaville Christian Head of School

Blog Archives: View past blog posts here.

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