Anyone Read The Witch of Blackbird Pond?

by snowbird 18 Replies latest social entertainment

• 

  StAnn

  I read it, I liked it. Did they make a movie of it?

  Re: why it wasn't on your daughter's reading list, now schools have this thing called an accelerated reader list where there a lists of books divided by grade level and how much difficulty in that grade level. For instance, you might see a book with a 5.2 on it, meaning 5th grade level, 2nd level of difficulty. This is supposed to help students progress by reading books that are increasingly difficult to read. I believe this a nationwide program in schools. Students gain points towards their grade based upon the books they read.

  The Witch of Blackbird Pond is rated 5.7 and will give her 9 points.
• 

  snowbird

  Thank you, St Ann.

  Syl
• 

  ziddina

  "now schools have this thing called an accelerated reader list where there a lists of books divided by grade level and how much difficulty in that grade level. ..."

  Grrrrr!!! When I was a little kid - second grade - I was reading at a high-school level - National Geographics, newspapers, and so on...

  When I got into second grade, the teacher wanted me to start at the bottom - the BOTTOM - of the reading list, and work my way up. I was eyeballing the very top level - "gold star", or something like that, and I wanted to read THOSE books...!!

  That mean teacher wouldn't let me!!! I was SO MAD about that!!! Good thing I had all those National Geographics at home, plus a very nice "Childrens' Encyclopedia" set that ranged from beginner reader up into portions of Shakespeare and other literary pieces - including something by Poe, if I remember right...

  But I still remember how angry I was, that I had to miss out on those advanced books!!! They looked a LOT more interesting than, "See Dick run. See Jane run. Run, Jane, run." GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

  Zid
• 

  gubberningbody

  It was a long time ago. I believe at that time I also read "Black Hearts in Battersea", and "Nightbirds on Nantucket", and "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase".

  Several books I think should be read as well include "From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler", "Harriet the Spy" and "The Long Secret"
• 

  snowbird

  Oh!

  This is bringing back so many memories.

  I was also an advanced reader; no Sally, Dick, and Jane for me!

  I was "smuggled" into school at age 5 - no kindergarten, then, for Black kids.

  I, too, was reading my brother's 6th grade books!

  My 1st grade teacher was a nervous wreck because she thought the supervisor would find out.

  Tee hee hee.

  Syl
• 

  Jim_TX

  I seem to remember a book with this title. Reading the wiki condensed review, it doesn't sound familiar, but that was a long time ago.

  I won't hijack the thread with side-bar comments that may be unrelated to the original topic.

  Regards,

  Jim TX
• 

  snowbird

  I won't hijack the thread with side-bar comments that may be unrelated to the original topic.

  Jim, your comments - side-bar or otherwise - are ALWAYS welcomed!

  Syl
• 

  Jim_TX

  Well, gee thanks. Just a few random thoughts that may be related - or not.

  There is an ad on TV here locally, that is promoting early reading for kiddos, and a new technique. It shows youngsters that are ... well, like 18 months old reading words and books.

  I think it is both a blessing and a curse for these kiddos. When they get into grade school, they are most likely to be met with resistance to their already knowing how to read. They will - like some of the posters already have pointed out - be made to read books that are 'grade appropriate', and this will tend to frustrate them - possibly stunting their rapid learning curve that they were already on.

  I think that knowing how to read early is a good thing... it's just our 'system' that pigeon-holes kiddos by age, not by what they can do.

  That's all. Sorry if I pulled the thread off-topic.

  Regards,

  Jim TX
• 

  snowbird

  You did not pull the thread off topic.

  I never faced any difficulties because mine was just a little, country two-room schoolhouse where everyone knew me.

  The kids thought I was something special.

  My daughter learned how to read before she could walk - her kindergarten teacher did resent her at first, but she was put into a separate class for "advanced" students.

  LOL.

  Syl