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AO free reading question
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I put together my CM curriculum using several book lists, including SCM, Sonlight, and AO. My question is regarding AO’s free reading. Their website says that the free reading books can be done as read alouds, but frequently are just given to the child to read on their own time. My 8 year old daughter is a very good reader, but some of the titles of the free reading seem above her.
For those of you who have used AO, what has been your experience with the free reading titles? Are these the titles you usually give your children to read on their own? Or do you like them better as read-alouds? Any advice?
Thank you! 🙂
-Tanya
We’ve used some of the books. For young ones, like your daughter, I tend toward easier books so that they get lots of practice building their reading skills and opportunity to learn to enjoy reading. Also, for advanced readers, content can be an issue. Sometimes they are able to read books that their little emotions are just not quite ready for, so we need to be watchful of that.
CindyS, I completely agree with you on the content/emotional issue.
So as a follow-up to my first question, do you think AO is a good resource for finding books for her to read on her own? or do you think there are better resources?
I use AO for book suggestions, but don’t go by their grade/age suggestions. The content/emotional issue was a BIG deal with one of my DD’s. Many of the Year 1 & some Year 0 suggestions are only now something she would be able to handle, and only with my input along side (as a read aloud). We are beginning Year 3. Both my DD’s could handle “reading the words” in their suggestions, but not always the content.
That said, I still highly recommend using their book lists. The selections are fantastic. I have just rearranged when and how many of them are presented. Just review them, or read their descriptions on Amazon before purchasing.
Each family has their own set of values and limits. Many of the AO selections are quite graphic. Some might contain content that doesn’t blend with your families beliefs. But there are some real treasures on their lists I would not have found elsewhere. It is an excellent source for book suggestions.
Tonni
I agree with Tonni re:AO. Plus the booklist here is a good resource, as are most homeschool catalogs. Just keep in mind that you will need to preview most any book as best you can. I have lots of children and there are times (with the older ones) that I have to say, “You know our standards, if you come across something questionable, bring it to me.” But that is after they have a firm foundation of obedience and respect. Then it just becomes an opportunity for discussion. Just consider every book that you read to them, or you put in their hands to read, an opportunity to ‘preach’ to them without you having to do it. That is a rule of thumb I have *tried* to use through the years.
Also, regarding catalogs, the families that run these businesses cannot possibly read every book they sell (for the most part, obviously). Have you ever noticed how a book will show up in one catalog, then another, then another, gradually? That is because of marketing, not necessarily because it is a great book. One resource that just came to mind, though, is Keepers of the Faith; they do read every book; at least they used to.
As time goes on, you will get to recognize a lot just from the cover blurb. For instance, I look for tones of “independent spirit,” “despite what her parents desired,” “dark secrets.” These and others I consider cues that I’ll need to peruse the book a little more carefully or, if time is short, put it back on the shelf.
Blessings,
Cindy
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