- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Blended Families
FutureMrsWittig
member
NBFR: Reading goals
FutureMrsWittig
member
SD is in 4th grade this year. We got a note home from her reading teacher stating that they are to read 10 chapter books of their choice, 4 biographies/memiors, 3 mysteries, 5 fantasy, 5 realistic fiction, 2 poetry, and 5 fiction books this year. SD came home and was bummed because she started reading Harry Potter earlier this year around April, and is now on book 4. The teacher apparently told her that she cannot use Harry Potter books 4-7 because they are too long and she won't be able to meet the class goal.
We have parent-teacher meetings tonight. Is this something my H and I should bring up to the teacher? SD has spent a lot more time reading this summer than ever before (10-20 hours a WEEK!) all because she is very into these books. She set a goal for herself to finish them by Christmas (probably a little unrealistic, but we love that she's trying). We hate to tell her she has to read something else, when these books could fit the Fantasy category or the books of choice. Would it be out of line to ask her teacher to count these as two books? Can you think of a reason the teacher wouldn't allow this?
We want to be reasonable, but we also want our kid to like to read and to get to read the things that interest her.
Mama of 2: one who grew in my womb, both who grow in my heart.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: NBFR: Reading goals
If your SD can get through the books quickly enough to meet the goals set by the teacher, then I don't think there should be a problem. However, the teacher has already stated that she doesn't want SD using those books as the assignment. My daughter just started 4th grade as well, so I understand how frustrating it can be to get kids to try something new. Your SD needs to understand though that books will be assigned that she may not like or want to read, but she needs to as part of the assignment. I didn't enjoy reading most of the books assigned in school, but I had to. Besides, by having to read several different types of books, your SD may find a new author she really enjoys or a new genre of books. Let the Harry Potter books be her "fun time" reading that she can read after she finished the assignments, and maybe that will encourage her to read the teacher approved books quickly.
Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Weight Loss Tools
I was going to say yes, talk to the teacher, but I actually think that might be setting a bad precedence. You don't want SD to think that you & DH will go in and 'fix' things that aren't to her liking. I agree that she needs to understand that in school she's going to have to read things that she wouldn't necessarily pick up on her own but that it is important to be well rounded.
I also don't think the last couple of books are quite appropriate for that age. My son is in 4th grade this year and I won't be letting him watch the last 2/3 movies for at least another year. He also doesn't turn 9 until the end of next month and is a bit more on the sensitive side. If you are familiar with the entire series and have deemed it appropriate for SD there is no judging here. All kids are different.
That sucks, especially since SD set goals for herself. But, I agree with the other poster that stepping in and trying to fix this with the teacher sets a bad precedence. The teacher gave the assignment, its not really your place to challenge whether or not the assignment best meets the classroom goals. Personally, I think giving them time targets rather than number of book targets would have made more sense, but the teacher must feel pretty strongly about the assignment since she has already said no. If you feel the need to say something to the teacher, it might be worth asking her if the message that SD gave you about HP is accurate. Its possible that the teacher said "yes, BUT . . . you may not be able to finish."
Maybe do some research at the library with SD about alternate books that are like HP, but a little shorter? Books 4, 5 and 6 are pretty dark with all the deaths of main characters, maybe holding off on reading them is reasonable? SD1 is starting 3rd grade and we only let her read books 1-3.
This is tough, when I first read this at work I was pissed at the teacher. I've always been a huge bookworm and used to hate the required reading in school, all the restrictions etc. BUT if it's taken from April - August to read books 1-3, then the teacher might be right. She might not have enough time to read all the books for the goal. You could certainly ASK if the books could count as 2 books but I wouldn't go in guns blazing or anything. You could also ask the teacher, if she finishes the other requirements for the goal and saves Fantasy for last, could they maybe reevaluate at that time?
Are you familiar with the series? The OPs brought up a good point, there are some things that you may think are inappropriate in the later books. FWIW I am a HUGE HP fan and have all the books and movies (among other HP merchandise, haha). DH decided it would be ok for SDs to see the movies, I think they fed off of my obsession and really wanted to go so they've gone with us to each opening weekend. They are 9 and 11 now and both are pretty sensitive and scaredy cats. I was worried about them, but DH said they were going and they did just fine. I would recommend you read the books or watch the movies if you might be concerned about appropriate content.
I'm torn on this. Part of me says she should be able to and they should count as 2 books each. The other part of me says you shouldn't set a precedent that you and DH will fight the teacher on anything SD doesn't like.
If you can ask the teacher and have her change her mind without SD knowing, then I would do that. But maybe have SD read a new book in a different category first, then a HP book, then a different book, etc.
The later books are much darker, but only you guys can decide what is right for your child.
Update: Met with the teacher tonight. After she explained her program DH and I and BM talked with her and asked that since she has already started the 4th book if it would be okay for her to finish it as one of her chapter books of choice and then move on to something else.
We landed on a compromise. SD will be required to read a book her and her teacher pick during her reading class and study hall at school. The teacher said though, that we can count her Harry Potter reading toward her homework time. This way she will be working toward the class goal and her own goal simultaneously. We all agreed to watch for signs that dividing her attention isn't working for her and we're going to reassess at midterm.
We didn't tell SD that we were going to talk to the teacher and will be letting her tell SD at school.
I agree there are some mature themes in the later books. DH and I have both read the series and we think she can handle it. But we will probably table them for awhile once she finishes book 4.