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Point well taken
Posted by Linda on December 04, 1997 at 11:54:21:
In response to On My Soapbox, written by MB on December 03, 1997 at 14:45:15
] ] But, it may spark the interest of an 8-year old who may go on to read the real thing when old enough to handle the language. It could also be used as a read-aloud to pre-schoolers.
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] As a children's librarian, I must admit that it pains me to hear things like this. There are so many great books for kids and young adults that they should be reading at that age and level.[snip]
I am not an educator and I do not have children of my own. I do have several nieces, nephews, godchildren who receive books from us on every gift giving occasion. I try to choose the books carefully and make sure that they are age-appropriate. I do not give simplified versions of classics; but I do make one exception to that, Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb and from a purely personal experience..
I found this book in my school library. I cannot remember when (I went to the same school from grades 1-12) but I was less than 13, I am sure. I really liked the stories. When I got to high school and had to study the real Shakespeare, I found it easier to understand those works that I had read in the simplified version. Therefore, hoping to give the same advantage to those children that I love most, I have given copies of this book to several of them at around age 12. Must admit that I do not know if they read the books, or if they did, if they helped.
]Sorry to rant like this (and I certainly don't mean it personally, Linda!), but this is a personal source of discouragement for me.
MB
No need to apologize and I certainly do not take it personally. I appreciate hearing the perspective of someone who is knowledgeable about children's learning patterns. In light of this sharing of your better understanding, I will reconsider my attitude toward simplified versions of classics for children.
Thank you.
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