When selecting reading materials for the classroom, it is important to recognize that some texts may be emotionally challenging for students. At the same time, these challenges can help build resilience, empathy, and critical thinking.
Focused Ed BC has identified 13 Social Considerations for K–12 Education, including humor, violence, safety, and other factors that help determine whether content is suitable for young readers. These considerations serve as a valuable framework for assessing whether a book aligns with the needs and developmental readiness of students.
Common Sense Media provides thousands of searchable book reviews that highlight controversial topics, enabling teachers to preview potential areas of concern.
Using these resources, educators can prepare to discuss sensitive subjects with students, incorporate important context into book talks, and provide guidance on how to navigate challenging themes.
Empowering Students to Navigate Sensitive Literature
The use of trigger warnings in literature has been widely debated, with research suggesting such warnings are often ineffective and may even contribute to anticipatory anxiety. Today’s novel collections contain so many diverse and sometimes controversial positions that we would end up flagging almost every book! Instead of prefacing books with warnings, we trust educators to navigate sensitive topics with professionalism, care, and responsiveness to their students’ needs. Rather than relying on trigger warnings, educators can create supportive reading environments by engaging in thoughtful book talks that provide students with insights into a novel’s themes, allowing them to make informed choices. Literature circles further offer students the opportunity to select books that align with their comfort levels, ensuring they have agency over their reading experiences.
Next Steps for Educators
- Read reviews of your classroom novels on the Common Sense Media’s book review site.
- Consider your classroom novels in light of the 13 Social Considerations from Focused Ed BC.
- Think ahead about concerns parents and administrators may have about the book you have chosen. The work you have done to select your book using a variety of criteria and checklists will strengthen your position in the event you are asked to defend a title.
