The Importance of Novel Novels | Gerry Williams Jr | TEDxYouth@Evans - Video

This talk is about the importance of including new and interesting books in English curriculums instead of sticking to the same group of "classics." The amount the average person reads has been decreasing for years, and part of the reason behind this is how the education system treats its selection of books. While they are undoubtedly worthy of study, many classic pieces of literature do not capture students' imaginations. They come to associate reading with boring academia and stressful tests instead of wonder and imagination. A barrier exists between what are considered "texts worth studying" and all other books. In order to get more people reading and engaging with all the magical stories the wide world of literature has to offer, the education system needs to expose students to more of the creative and wild ends of the spectrum. If academia continues to hold the doors to its classrooms closed to the more imaginative products of the written word, both students and the field as a whole are hurt. Gerry Williams Jr is a junior at Lakeside High School and is currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program. He is a prominent leader in Lakeside’s JROTC program, the Panther Battalion, and through JROTC he is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. He makes time to enjoy his love of film, theater, and his family. Gerry has a deep passion for the art of storytelling, having amassed a large collection of novels and comics. His talk will concern the need for the introduction of new and interesting literature into English classes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx