Ready Readers is a program designed by CenterforLit for Teaching the Classics comprised of great, entertaining children’s literature and an approach to analyzing it that will encourage good reading comprehension in even the youngest student. The Socratic study method learned will enable children to ponder well- designed questions about structure, style, context, and theme in every story they read. Stories will be read aloud in class and thoroughly discussed and completed Story Charts will graphically outline the major structural and thematic element of each story. Short author biographies for each title will also be covered
Titles below will be covered and additional titles explored as time permits:
- The Hat by Jan Brett
- The Boy Who Held Back the Sea-by Thomas Locker
- Brave Irene by William Steig
- Sam, Bangs and Moonshine by Evaline Ness
- All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan
- Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson
- Fishing in the Air by Sharon Creech
- Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild! by Mem Fox
- Excerpts from The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne
We will also discuss the different parts of a book and various book and illustrator awards. Discussion of artwork will be included in some of these selections, as well as a few in-class art projects to demonstrate understanding of style.
