[CALIBK12] HIt: Charlie and the Chocolate factory

[Magana. Darla]

Thanks for your good feedback!  Here is my original post and the many helpful responses.
 
Darla
 
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From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu [mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of Magana. Darla
Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 3:12 PM
To: calibk12 at listproc.sjsu.edu
Subject: [CALIBK12] Charlie and the chocolate factory

Hi all,

What is your opinion about using Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a READ ALOUD book to 1st and 2nd graders?    I haven't read the book in a zillion years, but I remember it being a bit "dark" (true to Dahl).  What are your thoughts?  I have  a teacher needing an  immediate (of course) response!!

Thanks,

Darla Magana

St. Margaret's Episcopal School

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I think it's more appropriate for 3rd and up. I have a third grade teacher that reads it aloud. English children's literature (as compared to American children's lit) may seem "darker" perhaps because some English authors (like Dahl) tend to exaggerate the personalities of their characters. A more contemporary example is Harry Potter. His family is certainly exaggerated personality-wise, isn't it? 

 

Joanne Ladewig  (A.K.A. "Library Lady")

Library Media Tech

Lawrence Elementary, GGUSD

Garden Grove, California

shatz at verizon.net

Comments are my own and may not represent the views of GGUSD

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Darla,

I will be interested in the answers you get. Isn't it  bit long for
students to remember from one day to the next. I really didn't get into
chapter books with my students until third grade, but then I didn't read a
snippet every day. Reminds me a little of the 8th grade teacher having
students read "To Kill a Mockingbird" but things have moved downward with
the sophistication of our students.

Maybe the teacher hasn't read it, either.

When I was first teaching children's literature, I mentioned that great
book, Charlotte's Web. One of my students was a 5th grade teacher who read
it to her class, not having read it first. She said to me the next class,
"But you didn't tell me Charlotte died. I was reading and crying, and my
class started patting me and hugging me saying, 'It's all right.'" I told
her she had learned one good lesson about reading before reading aloud.

Have a great weekend.

Blanche
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I recall only one passage, towards the end of the book in one of the song lyrics that I had to edit in reading it to first graders. Sorry, I don't have a copy of the book at home, so I can't be more specific right now.
--Sue Beckmeyer
  Vallemar School, Pacifica
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Hi Darla,

Regarding, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  I will speak as a mom.  My son Brandon, who is now a Freshman at THHS, was read this book aloud in 2nd grade and still cringes when the title is mentioned.  This book scared him and he still has weird dreams about it.  I would not recommend that this be read to these precious little minds.  Just my opinion.

Jeanne
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I would start it at third grade. I would suggest Indian in the Cupboard for 1st, 2nd.
--W Ferrel
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It's great, Darla, I think. Perfect read aloud.

Traci Cope
Library Media Teacher
Crane Country Day School
1795 San Leandro Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805)969-7732 x303
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I would say no, not because it's too dark -- it's no more dark than most fairytales and Dahl had a way of making scaryness, fun.  
 
But it's too long and the language is too complex.  I wouldn't go below 3rd or 4th grade.
Melissa Roton
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I think it would be great for that age.  I have two boys, K and 2nd grade,
who would love to listen to that book.  I think that for a class, K might
be a little young, but 1st grade should be able to deal with that level of
humor. 
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It's dark, but not that dark -- the fates which befall the kids are all appropriate and warranted.  I think it would depend on the kids -- might be too long for many.  Penny Brown
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I wouldn't read it to that young of students. They
have all seen the movie version. Why not chose
something else? There are so many choices!
   Kate DiCamillo's newest book, "The Journey of
Edward Tullane", I think would be delightful! I read
aloud to third graders her "Tales of Despeareux" which
was a huge success.
Heather McBride