MCT Classics in the Classroom?

[Amy loves Bud]

Is this simply a book list, or is there much more to it? TIA.

[Veritaserum]

It is a great book! I liked it better than Deconstructing Penguins. He goes through a discussion of how to talk about books with students. He prefers open-ended questions instead of questions that are probing for a specific answer. I recommend reading the book. I <3 MCT. :)

[radiobrain]

It is a great book! I liked it better than Deconstructing Penguins. He goes through a discussion of how to talk about books with students. He prefers open-ended questions instead of questions that are probing for a specific answer. I recommend reading the book. I <3 MCT. :)

 

:iagree: I think that many of us on this board, MCT lovers or not, would already agree with much of what he says in this awesome little book. And the book list is fabulously laid out, with extra tidbits like what list this book is on, awards won, banned or not, etc etc.

[angela in ohio]

There's a lot more to it. I am already firmly planted in the literature camp, but I still found some nuggets in it. I copied more than the usual amount of quotes out of it. MCT has a way of putting things that is remarkably clear and concise. If nothing else, get it if you ever need ammo for convincing others of the need for literature. :001_smile:

 

I actually didn't love the book list, but I bought it for his thoughts more.

[Kuovonne]

It is a great book! I liked it better than Deconstructing Penguins. He goes through a discussion of how to talk about books with students. He prefers open-ended questions instead of questions that are probing for a specific answer. I recommend reading the book. I <3 MCT. :)

 

What age students are MCT's discussions geared towards? If I recall correctly, Deconstructing Penguins dealt with elementary age kids, starting in 2nd grade. Would Classics in the Classroom work with 2nd graders too?

[Veritaserum]

What age students are MCT's discussions geared towards? If I recall correctly, Deconstructing Penguins dealt with elementary age kids, starting in 2nd grade. Would Classics in the Classroom work with 2nd graders too?

 

I would say upper elementary and older is more the target, but you could use some of his ideas with younger children.

[GoVanGogh]

I read the book (twice :D) last year and loved it! I wrote down so many quotes as I was reading it.

For me, the book was more an affirmation that we are doing the right thing - reading great books and enjoying them. No more, no less -- "In practical terms, avoid doing anything that will ruin reading for the student, that will turn the experience into meaningless busywork."

 

Other good quotes:

 

"I think that classics can help to inoculate children against stupidity and cruelty and inspire them with the love of thought."

 

"Educated children find quality exciting. They know when a book is worth reading."

 

"You must be the reader you wish your child to be."

 

"If we intend to teach our students to think, we must risk giving them thought to think about - not the insipid, homogeneous gruel of textbooks, but exposure to the freest minds."

 

"The point is obvious: Reading classics gives a child a more profound education than can be attained otherwise."

 

 

I have also read "Deconstructing Penguins" and found the two books to be very different. DP was more a "how-to" book, while MCT's book was more inspirational.

[Debbie in OR]

I agree with all previous posters...it is packed with great thoughts. I think about 1/3(?) is book lists but the rest gives you so much to ponder. It, and the book Tending the Heart of Virtue, are my two faves regarding the value of classic literature.