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[CCBC-Net] sci-fi readers
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From: James Elliott <j_c_elliott>
Date: Mon, 08 May 2006 13:44:03 -0400
Benita,
I don't know if you've ever attended a midnight release party for Harry Potter (either pre- or post-movies), but the children showing up there with their parents would put your doubts to rest. They can tell you every event that happens to every character in the books, and even quote their favorite lines!
As to the difference between reading and hearing the books read to them, why does that make a difference? We have many adults who check out 'Audio books' at the library. Are you saying that these patrons don't really 'read the books'?
On that subject: My son has a slight learning disability, and his counsellor suggested that we get the audio version of a book he wanted to read and let him follow along with the book while listening to the tape. He chose, at age 9, -- Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone (because of the movie, and the adults who said they left a lot out -- he wanted to know what was left out)! He read the last two books on his own. The method used helped his reading comprehension immensely, and he is now reading above grade level. He is now working his way through the Series of Unfortunate Events books.
Don't understimate the ability of mere children to "get it" when reading books above their grade level. I myself went from reading edited versions of the classics in 4th grade to reading adult fiction (such as novels based on then popular TV show "Dark Shadows") in 6th grade. I've never read at
'grade level' unless it was a required book.
James Elliott Reference Librarian Gadsden County Public Library System 732 Pat Thomas Parkway Quincy, FL. 32351-4210
>From: Benita Strnad <bstrnad at bama.ua.edu>
>To: ccbc-net at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu
>Subject: [CCBC-Net] sci-fi readers
>Date: Mon, 08 May 2006 11:28:41 -0500
>
>The popularity of the Harry Potter books is a phenomena that simply
>escapes me. In fact I don't believe that they really are reading these
>books. I think that sci-fi books are for middle school and above, and
>younger readers have problems with them for several reasons. Length of
>book is one of them, as many times they are excessive in length.
>Complicated plot and characters that often times morph from one
>personality type to another. Time travel back and forth in rapid
>succession. I can understand adults and older children reading it and
>"getting it" when it comes to sci-fi, but when I hear about second
>graders reading these tomes with enthusiasm I am doubtful about their
>authenticity. It is an extremely precocious child who can read a sci-fi
>or fantasy book at the age of 7 and understand it. The reason is
>developmental level.
>
>
Received on Mon 08 May 2006 12:44:03 PM CDT
Date: Mon, 08 May 2006 13:44:03 -0400
Benita,
I don't know if you've ever attended a midnight release party for Harry Potter (either pre- or post-movies), but the children showing up there with their parents would put your doubts to rest. They can tell you every event that happens to every character in the books, and even quote their favorite lines!
As to the difference between reading and hearing the books read to them, why does that make a difference? We have many adults who check out 'Audio books' at the library. Are you saying that these patrons don't really 'read the books'?
On that subject: My son has a slight learning disability, and his counsellor suggested that we get the audio version of a book he wanted to read and let him follow along with the book while listening to the tape. He chose, at age 9, -- Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone (because of the movie, and the adults who said they left a lot out -- he wanted to know what was left out)! He read the last two books on his own. The method used helped his reading comprehension immensely, and he is now reading above grade level. He is now working his way through the Series of Unfortunate Events books.
Don't understimate the ability of mere children to "get it" when reading books above their grade level. I myself went from reading edited versions of the classics in 4th grade to reading adult fiction (such as novels based on then popular TV show "Dark Shadows") in 6th grade. I've never read at
'grade level' unless it was a required book.
James Elliott Reference Librarian Gadsden County Public Library System 732 Pat Thomas Parkway Quincy, FL. 32351-4210
>From: Benita Strnad <bstrnad at bama.ua.edu>
>To: ccbc-net at ccbc.ad.education.wisc.edu
>Subject: [CCBC-Net] sci-fi readers
>Date: Mon, 08 May 2006 11:28:41 -0500
>
>The popularity of the Harry Potter books is a phenomena that simply
>escapes me. In fact I don't believe that they really are reading these
>books. I think that sci-fi books are for middle school and above, and
>younger readers have problems with them for several reasons. Length of
>book is one of them, as many times they are excessive in length.
>Complicated plot and characters that often times morph from one
>personality type to another. Time travel back and forth in rapid
>succession. I can understand adults and older children reading it and
>"getting it" when it comes to sci-fi, but when I hear about second
>graders reading these tomes with enthusiasm I am doubtful about their
>authenticity. It is an extremely precocious child who can read a sci-fi
>or fantasy book at the age of 7 and understand it. The reason is
>developmental level.
>
>
Received on Mon 08 May 2006 12:44:03 PM CDT
