Why do I like the Classics?
My favorite era for authors is the mid 1800's to mid 1900's. To me it seems as though the writing is stronger and more detailed. When you read an author such as JR Tolkein, CS Lewis or Louisa May Alcott and compare the writings against a modern day author you will sit up and notice that the words and the story suck you in so that you feel like you are a part of the story.
Why Read the Classics to YOUR Kids?
Reading the Classics to your kids will give them access to words that people don't use in everyday speech, exposes them to a proper sentence structure and correct grammer. The writing is more detailed and strengthens your child's reading comprehension. These days kids are so immersed in videos and flashes of information that unless you are reading longer, more descriptive passages they are going to have a much harder time understanding what they read and hear in school. Even with the level of reading that I do, I often find that for me to understand a great descriptive passage - I need to read it aloud or I get completely lost.
What books should YOU start reading with your kids?
Start reading the classics when your children are able to sit and listen to a story. Depending on the child I like to start them with books that they may have heard of such as Heidi, Pippi Longstocking, A Little Princess and for boys The Wind in the Willows and Pinocchio and for a little older boy (7-8 yrs) maybe Call of the Wild and Swiss Family Robinson. Remember each child is different. They don't have to understand these books at 4-5 but if you pick a great story that your child can connect with they will understand what they are ready for & if necessary you can skip over small chunks and introduce those the 2-3rd time you read the book with them.
For younger kids the Classic Starts series are great. There are still pictures in the book and the text and the print is larger and easier to understand. For kids slightly order with more attention span ability consider the Puffin Classics or the Sterling Classics. Both of these publishers versions the language is a next step UP in difficulty and will help your child focus better to detailed passages. There isn't a lot of difference, but I feel just enough to consider upgrading your library when it's time.
Two last words of advice:
- Try to pick out books with kids near the same age as your own children. The main character should be someone they connect with and understands. In Heidi, the book starts with a 5 year old Heidi. In Tom Sawyer the boy is probably 10-12 years old. The subject and the maturity levels are vastly different.
- DO NOT introduce the book with a movie - read the book first and THEN reward them with an older version of the book in movie form. An example would be to read Heidi and then watch the 1993 version with Jason Robards. Your kids will get a better view of Heidi as it was originally written.
- 10 Ways to Improve Your Mind by Reading the Classics
- Double Takes: A re-reading of The Secret Garden, A Little Princess and Pinocchio by Kate Kellaway
I have one niece who is 12 and loves to read; in fact she taught herself how to read by the time she was five :) My other niece has 2 children of her own and they are too young to read; my great niece just likes to flip the pages in the books and look at the pictures. I guess that's the way reading books starts tho :) Thanks for the article!
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