Hi! I've read a few reviews and they all say to be careful with the book, as it may have some inappropriate content. I'm thinking about ordering enough copies for my entire class (11 year olds)...It's an Accelerated Reader book on a 5.1 level. Has anyone done any lessons using this book? The reviews said the characters smoke and behave badly, but I don't know who reviewed the book. I'd rather get a professional opinion! :)
I read the book aloud to my 6th-graders (11-12 yrs. old.) The language is a bit spicy in some places (2-3) but I skip those words or say something else fitting but appropriate. I live in Utah, and my students are from very conservative homes. The book is well-worth reading -- good message, and thoughtful passages.
On 11/10/09, Candice Taylor wrote: > On 10/10/09, L.L wrote: >> On 10/03/09, CityTeacher wrote: >>> Hi! >>> I've read a few reviews and they all say to be careful with >>> the book, as it may have some inappropriate content. I'm >>> thinking about ordering enough copies for my entire class >>> (11 year olds)...It's an Accelerated Reader book on a 5.1 >>> level. >>> Has anyone done any lessons using this book? >>> The reviews said the characters smoke and behave badly, but >>> I don't know who reviewed the book. I'd rather get a >>> professional opinion! :) >> >> Yes, I used this novel with 3rd graders. The naughty/wild >> children of one family are characterized as smoking and >> behaving badly.Their pranks and silliness are what make it >> funny. Read it and then decide if it is appropriate for your >> class. You know your community/parents best. > > I read the book aloud to my 6th-graders (11-12 yrs. old.) The > language is a bit spicy in some places (2-3) but I skip those > words or say something else fitting but appropriate. I live in > Utah, and my students are from very conservative homes. The > book is well-worth reading -- good message, and thoughtful > passages.
AimeeOn 11/10/09, Candice Taylor wrote: > On 10/10/09, L.L wrote: >> On 10/03/09, CityTeacher wrote: >>> Hi! >>> I've read a few reviews and they all say to be careful with >>> the book, as it may have some inappropriate content. I'm >>> thinking about ordering enough copies for my entire class >>> (...See MoreOn 11/10/09, Candice Taylor wrote: > On 10/10/09, L.L wrote: >> On 10/03/09, CityTeacher wrote: >>> Hi! >>> I've read a few reviews and they all say to be careful with >>> the book, as it may have some inappropriate content. I'm >>> thinking about ordering enough copies for my entire class >>> (11 year olds)...It's an Accelerated Reader book on a 5.1 >>> level. >>> Has anyone done any lessons using this book? >>> The reviews said the characters smoke and behave badly, but >>> I don't know who reviewed the book. I'd rather get a >>> professional opinion! :) >> >> Yes, I used this novel with 3rd graders. The naughty/wild >> children of one family are characterized as smoking and >> behaving badly.Their pranks and silliness are what make it >> funny. Read it and then decide if it is appropriate for your >> class. You know your community/parents best. > > I read the book aloud to my 6th-graders (11-12 yrs. old.) The > language is a bit spicy in some places (2-3) but I skip those > words or say something else fitting but appropriate. I live in > Utah, and my students are from very conservative homes. The > book is well-worth reading -- good message, and thoughtful > passages.
I read it with my 4th graders. I teach inner city , so it really speaks to them! They love it. The only truly "bad word" in the book is hell. It is actually a very lovely story. The kids are characterized as stealing, smoking cigars, cussing at teachers, etc. But, the point of the story at the end is that they turn around and find the meaning of Christmas and they give back for the first time ever. It's a great story. You know best of all what community you t are teaching to and if they can handle it. I would read it first (it's a quick read for an adult) and then decide. There is also a DVD from the 80's. Your local library probably has it. Also, before you buy a class set, check the library. Our local branch has a class set and teacher resources.