Reply to Give me constructive advice on how to help my middle schooler in English

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Reply to "Give me constructive advice on how to help my middle schooler in English"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]You have to first ask yourself what constitutes a challenging novel and Why?  You clearly have a problem with what they would choose to read, Why?  And then what is the purpose of the reading?  Are you trying to get them consume information, learn about a specific topic, or read for enjoyment.

Also reading the Lighting Thief and Hunger Games in third or fourth grade doesn’t mean actual literary analysis was done of the novels at that time.[/quote]

[b]I'd like them to analyze and understand complex plots. I'd like their vocabulary to improve. I'd like their own writing to improve. I'd like for them to think.[/b] [/quote]

Giving them a book to read is not going to grow them in these areas.  Yes, their vocabulary will improve.  They will absorb more complex, interesting writing.  But being able to produce it is another thing.  For analysis and understanding, you'll need someone to guide them through the text.  You'll also need someone to point out what constitutes good writing and why.  It would also be helpful to be able to discuss the text with peers.  They'll have to consider other peoples viewpoints as well as be able to point to specific evidence to support their thoughts.[/quote]

well exactly! what would you suggest I do? I can't afford to put them into private school for one class (honestly we are happy with the rest of the MS curriculum, just not English). FWIW, we are in a low FARMS area where there are plenty of good students. The issue is that the school has decided to only offer 'Advanced English' to everyone - but it's clearly not advanced because not everyone can handle 'advanced' work and therefore they need to lower the standards for everyone.

And yes, we know tons of parents who are supplementing with private tutors to improve their reading/writing skills. I don't have a problem with the $$ - it's the time. My kids play sports and are also into theatre - they are going to balk at having to do tutoring for a few afternoons a week when it would be much more efficient to read/learn in school itself. 
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