I write in response to the dispiriting sentiments from your two correspondents on the gift to schools of a King James Bible (Letters, 1 June). As a fellow teacher, what I find particularly depressing is the implication that the Bible is not suitable for primary schoolchildren "in a deprived area", due to the "challenge of the language" and "non-child friendly story form". While I am no fan of Mr Gove and the coalition, I must applaud the vision of this endeavour to introduce children to this seminal text, the importance of which has been set out at length by Melvyn Bragg, among others. What, after all, is the job of the teacher if not to introduce children to the first-rate, irrespective of background? Having taught Beowulf and The Odyssey to seven- to 10-year-olds and witnessed their obvious enjoyment of both (yes, including the challenging language), I know it can be done. All that is required is passion for the text, creativity and imagination – the children will respond in kind.
Pauline Daniels
Salford, Greater Manchester