Teacher Discussion Forums

Hello: I'm writing a magazine article about book donations and I would appreciate hearing from ESL teachers and students.

In researching the article I've learned that many city waste disposal programs recommend donating used books to ESL programs.

As a volunteer ESL teacher I think that this advice is misguided, however, I'd like your opinion and comments.

Does the condition of a book matter, i.e., if it's soiled or torn is this of importance?

Are any books insulting, e.g. children's books as materials for adult learners?

Do you think that people should donate their used books to ESL teachers and students?

Thank you very much for your assistance.

The books would be of little or no use to me as a teacher.
The only little use would be to photocopy an occasional passage for reading/vocab use.

However if there is a programme that has a resource/community centre/library the books may find a home.

Unless there is a shortage of books to fill a high demand, tattered and torn books should be discarded. They will probably not get used, and create a bad image.

If books are there for people to borrow, or even to take away and keep, then suitability is not relevant. They will not be offended by books they don't select.

Thanks to all who responded. Your help is greatly appreciated.