The document provides guidance on responding to discussion questions. It includes examples of discussion questions and suggests how to analyze and answer different parts of a question. For one question, it models answering each part, including taking a position, supporting it with two literary examples and three points for each, and referencing course materials. The document demonstrates breaking down complex questions and framing thoughtful, evidenced responses.

1. A VERY BRIEF GUIDE TO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
By Abby Farmer

2. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 Read the whole question,
 Locate the sections in your textbook. For this, Chapter 1.
What should children be allowed to read? Young children like to hear their favorite
picture books read again and again. Likewise, adults like to hear their favorite songs and
pieces of music numerous times. When older children read formula or series books, they
are encountering familiar characters and themes, and they are not so different from the
young children and adults who have favorite works they enjoy. Present an argument for or
against allowing children to read as many formula or series books as they desire. Present
specific details, discussing the short-comings or merits of the books.

3. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 Here's what the main parts of the question are:
 Should children be allowed to read whatever they want?
 Present an argument for or against allowing children to read as many formula or
series books as they desire. Present specific details, discussing the short-comings or
merits of the books.
 The second part of this question is a persuasive essay. State your position, list
pros, and cons.

4. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 My response:
I believe children should be able to read things that interest them but are also age appropriate. I would
like my students to read books about diverse populations so they appreciate other parts of the world.
 *Refer to pp. 11*
 Introduction - sharing a bit of my own experience. As an adult, I personally enjoy series books like
Stephanie Plum. They are predictable, but I think there's comfort in that. I also like Kinsey Milhone, a PI
who solves different cases.
State my opinion - I think children can benefit from series books.
Reasons for - Firstly, the repetition helps them practice reading skills. Secondly, merchandise tie-in books
for things like Disney movies can interest children. They see the Little Mermaid or Cinderella and are
interested in the book. And finally, students can gain confidence by reading serial books because they will
read the books faster and faster.
Reasons against A downside to formula books can be their poor quality. Publishers are interested in
quantity over quality, so the books are written fast. The books aren't meant to be "classics".

5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 How would you respond to this post on the discussion board?
 Ask yourself questions like this:
 1. Do you agree with something in particular that I said? Do you disagree? Why?
 2. Do you believe that reading the same types of books over and over will help
children advance their skills?
 3. Do you think children are more interested in books if they have familiar
cartoon characters on them?
 4. Do you agree that some book series are simply "fluff"?

6. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 DQ 2:
The Process of Schema Building.
 Readers bring past experiences, present interests, and expectations with them when they read. Consequently,
a child’s language, cognitive, personal, social, and moral development affects the ways in which they interpret and
respond to the literature. A child’s Schemata—background experiences or prior knowledge—may be built upon
when they are able to integrate or connect new information with their network of prior knowledge. How might you
build upon a child’s schemata? Choose a theme, book, or lesson and describe how you might integrate or connect the new information
with the child’s network of prior knowledge. First, describe the setting, child(ren)/age(s), and predicted prior knowledge. Then, explain
your plan and its benefits.
 What is the question asking? Look at the second part of the question in italics.
 Refer to Chapter 1 - Prereading Schema Building (pp. 20). Answer each part of the question using the text for
reference. If you use any other resources provide a bibliographic entry and use your own words.
 For the second part of the question you're asked to write a brief lesson plan.

7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 Should children be able to read about violence, even if it is make-
believe? Many educators believe there are worthy books with profound messages, books
that also include pain or horror such as: C.S. Lewis and The Chronicles of Narnia, The
Lord of the Rings, Spiderwich Chronicles, the Harry Potter series, The City of Ember, Tuck
Everlasting, The Lightning Thief, & The Giver. If children are shielded from learning about
such horrors, could they be prevented from developing compassion? Or are children
prone to generate violence after reading about it and seeing it in television shows, and
computer games? Take a stand on whether children should be allowed to read books that
include pain, horror, or violence. Support your claim with at least two literary examples
and at least three strong points for each.

8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 What is the Question Asking?
 “If children are shielded from learning about such horrors, could they
be prevented from developing compassion? Or are children prone to
generate violence after reading about it and seeing it in television shows,
and computer games? Take a stand on whether children should be
allowed to read books that include pain, horror, or violence. Support your
claim with at least two literary examples and at least three strong points
for each.”
Part 1 Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

9. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
“If children are shielded from learning about such horrors, could they be
prevented from developing compassion?” Offer an opinion with evidence
Parents and teachers have to make wise choices about the media they allow
their children to consume. Children cannot be shielded from pain and horror
indefinitely. Attempting to do so would do them a disservice because they aren’t
learning about the scary parts of living. Reading about a child’s pain of loosing a
pet allows them to experience things vicariously (a safe place) and learn
compassion.

10. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
“Or are children prone to generate violence after reading about it and seeing it
in television shows, and computer games?” Offer an opinion with evidence
Children inherently try different roles in play: teacher, nurse, jungle adventurer.
To say that children only generate violence based on books and video games
minimizes a child’s natural tendency to explore. Parents and teachers need to
set healthy boundaries to keep children safe – explain that jumping off a jungle
gym can cause a broken leg or pushing someone over will cause them pain.

11. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Take a stand on whether children should be allowed to read books that
include pain, horror, or violence. Write a persuasive essay.
Support your claim with at least two literary examples and at least three
strong points for each.” Evidence
(1) First literary example
a. reason 1, reason 2, reason 3
(2) Second literary example
a. reason 1, reason 2, reason 3

12. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 Take a stand on whether children should be allowed to read books
that include pain, horror, or violence.
Children should not be sheltered and shielded completely from the
fact that the world can be a scary place. Children will at some time or
another experience loss, grief, fear, and other strong emotions. Books
provide a way to equip children with age appropriate skills to handle
those difficult stories.

13. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 Literary Example #1: Little House on the Prairie
Laura Ingalls wilder writes about her childhood growing up on the
frontier. In one book, Laura’s sister Mary goes blind. Throughout the
series, Laura learns to help Mary with different tasks (compassion,
helping others). Laura learns that illness can cause lasting injuries –
human beings are frail. Ultimately, Laura learns that Mary is still her
sister and best friend, even though she’s blind.

14. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 Literary Example #2: Strider
In the story Strider by Beverly Clearly, Leigh and his best friend find a
dog abandoned on the beach. After feeding the dog, they decide to
adopt him and share “custody.” Leigh demonstrates compassion for a
vulnerable animal. Leigh feels grief when he and his best friend argue
about the care of the dog. Finally, Leigh tries to understand why his
Dad (Bill) and Mom (Bonnie) got divorced when he was younger.

15. THANK-YOU
Let me know if you have any questions