War and Peace for a fourth grader? I would really question that
teacher's competence for suggesting that. There are virtually no books
written at the 11th grade reading level with a fourth grade interest
level. Why does she need to read a book at the level? If her reading
is that good just let her read for pleasure. It sounds like they feel
reading must be difficult or it is not worthwhile.
How often do we adults read books at that level? Almost never. Most of
us only read text at that level when we have to, looking for information
for a specific purpose. It is rarely enjoyable reading. According to
Accelerated Reader some 11th grade books (of which there are very few)
are The Deerslayer and Last of the Mohicans by Cooper. What awful books
to force on anyone, much less a child (see Twain's _The Literary
Offenses of James Fennimore Cooper_ for an excellent critique of this
supposedly great author). Or how about _Wuthering Heights_
(unabridged)? Talk about taking the joy out of reading.
If the school uses AR then the mother should ask why they are trying to
"Accelerate" the reading of a kid who is 7 years ahead of where she
should be. Why can't she read some 8th or 6th grade level books? Why
not direct her to some non-fiction about topics that interest her.
Non-fiction generally has a higher reading level and she will learn some
new vocabulary without reading about the ravages of war. Or-- here's a
really radical idea-- why not say, you read really well so read what
ever you want? I doubt her reading level will drop if she reads Beverly
Cleary or Judy Blume.
----
Tony Doyle, Librarian
Livingston High School, Livingston, CA
tdoyle@muhsd.k12.ca.us
<Http://www.lhs.muhsd.k12.ca.us/library/index.htm>
"You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get
people to stop reading them."-- Ray Bradbury
> Good day,
>
>
>
> I am a graduate student pursing a MLIS and K-12 media specialist
> certification. I'd like to help a friend whose daughter has just been
> tested for reading and been placed at the 11th grade level. Her teacher
> wants her to read more challenging books. She is 10 years old and in the
> 4th grade. The suggested book from the teacher is War and Peace.
>
>
>
> I am looking for challenging books that would be age appropriate. I
> appreciate your help. You can reply to me directly.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/el-announce/
LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home