Junior Great Books

[Aras]

Has anyone had any experience using the Junior Great Books curriculum for middle schoolers? 

 

Our charter school has that, or BW Boomerangs as literature choices. Lightning Lit, which I was planning on using, is not an approved resource. 

 

Any input is appreciated, thanks!

[Targhee]

I can't speak for the middle school books. We have used the K-1, 2nd, and 5th grade levels. These are *very* good, but *very* group dependent. The crux of it is shared inquiry discussion. You can try to do it without, but it really doesn't accomplish the same thing.

[Carol in Cal.]

The middle school books use very dark short stories and passages.  I like the program a lot more in the lower grades, through about grade 6.  We used it in a coop, one year behind age level, emphasizing the group aspect of the shared inquiry work.

[Aras]

I will have a 7th grader and an 8th grader using them at the same time, so there is possibility for discussion. I looked at the list of stories and excerpts, and I just not enthused about it. This charter school has so many restrictions on what we can use and we are jumping through so many hoops. Who knew literature would be line in the sand??

[Carrie12345]

It's been about 8 years since ds used it in a virtual charter, so all I really remember is that I didn't like it.  When we went independent the next year, I was excited to use full novels!

Edited May 9, 2016 by Carrie12345