Reading skills and levels

[Cacharrao]

Hello everyone, my name is Neil.  I have just bought the latest edition of well trained mind book and I love it! 

I haven't read it yet but I am reading through it carefully, I keep having to stop to re-read and take notes.

 

I was hoping the forum could help me with a question regarding reading?  My child is seven  I am starting on the classical education path.  The question I have, is when it comes to reading skills and the reading levels in particular do I start with the same book pertaining to for example the Ancients? Should all the books be on the same subject or topic? Gilgamesh ,when we read this should we have different books for whether it is ‘below level’ reading or ‘’above level†reading etc?

 

I hope I have explained myself correctly, thank you in advance

[HomeAgain]

It depends, and I hope I'm answering this correctly.

 

We use Story Of The World (by the same author) as an overview to the topic. I read it to him.  In between I have readers for him at his level, and read alouds that are above his comfort level for listening to.  And we have multiple copies of the same story.  For example, this is his first rotation with the Middle Ages.  On his shelf is the Usborne copy of Tales Of King Arthur.  During the next rotation he'll read The Story Of King Arthur by Howard Pyle, and in high school he'll read and discuss Le Mort D'Arthur.  Same story, higher level each time to match his age.

 

There are plenty of picture books for struggling readers to share with adults, and lots of early chapter books for more proficient readers.  You just pick and choose based on your time, skill level needed, and interest.

 

 

OTOH, if you're asking about language arts instruction and staying in the same year as the history rotation, I'd say no.  Meet your child where he is in each subject.

[Shoes+Ships+SealingWax]

We use Story Of The World (by the same author) as an overview to the topic. I read it to him. In between I have readers for him at his level, and read alouds that are above his comfort level for listening to. And we have multiple copies of the same story. For example, this is his first rotation with the Middle Ages. On his shelf is the Usborne copy of Tales Of King Arthur. During the next rotation he'll read The Story Of King Arthur by Howard Pyle, and in high school he'll read and discuss Le Mort D'Arthur. Same story, higher level each time to match his age.

This is the approach we take, as well - at least for major literary works. In addition, I like to offer as many different books as possible during each period for my son to choose from. He'll read some, I'll read some... we'll include lots of hands-on activities, crafts, games, and videos... basically just immerse ourselves in the period.

[Cacharrao]

Hi everyone,

 

Thank you for your replies, they have helped a lot.  

 

Just one more thing, when it comes to fun reading do you keep to topic; Meaning when on a visit to the library, you don't let them pick their own books?

 

Thanks again

[Tanaqui]

Fun reading is fun. The point is that they pick their own books, and you don't say anything even if this means they do a six-month streak of only reading Cupcake Cousins or Captain Underpants.

 

(I suppose it's okay to set a standard if you have content you really don't want them reading - but even then, try to keep it as minimal as possible.)

[HomeAgain]

Hi everyone,

 

Thank you for your replies, they have helped a lot.  

 

Just one more thing, when it comes to fun reading do you keep to topic; Meaning when on a visit to the library, you don't let them pick their own books?

 

Thanks again

 

Heavens, of course he picks his own books!  He checks out a stack of ones to keep by his bed.

 

We also have a book basket that I fill each week with things that I think he would enjoy but stretch him just a little, for his assigned half hour of quiet time reading.  Right now in the book basket are picture books on the history & science topics of the week, fun reads like a Halloween poetry book and Bunnicula, and some chapter books I think every child should attempt: Beverly Cleary, E.B. White, and so forth.  About three times a week we have quiet reading time, which means he picks from the book basket.  The rest of the week he reads what he likes.

 

[Cacharrao]

Really thank you! your comments have cleared lots up.

 

neil