Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My opinion: the first one is ok. The second one is probably ok. The third one and after, too scary, and also I don't know how much a 6-year-old would get out of it.

There are lots and lots of lovely books to read out loud to 6-year-olds that are not Harry Potter.

I agree. There s a whole world of lovely books out there. Have we forgotten that? Do people gravitate to HP just b/c they are not aware of the almost limitless possibilities of FANTASTIC children's books out there, and they need a "name" book to be able to mention to other parents in conversation: "Junior just wrapped up HP. He's such an insatiable reader!"

?? I don't get this.

You know, that's fine for you. But maybe the person in question is actually really just proud of their kindergartner for reading a chapter book. Either way, I don't see why it bothers you. Do you feel that the content is too scary or too boring or that the parents are too braggy?

WHY are you so judgmental???

My son has high-functioning autism, started to read quite late and suddenly took off because he discovered he could read the Harry Potter books himself instead of begging to watch the movies. He read the first 3 books at 7 years old, and his teacher, special ed teachers, and family were all amazed, since 6 months before he couldn't align two words together.

So yes I am proud of him.

Anonymous wrote:I love an excuse to recommend this book
"The Read Aloud Handbook"
it's great because it gives a huge list of books, and suggests the age that it is appropriate for a kids to HEAR the book. Great for reading aloud, but also great for parents that might have an early reader and are looking for stuff for the kids to read, but worried the contend might be for older kids.

Former K teacher here. Love this book! It was a great help to me professionally and personally with my DD.

Anonymous wrote:I have a 6 yr old DD and DH and I were just discussing HP last night and whether or not it is age - appropriate. She is still on first readers but we're considering starting reading it to her. Seems a little scary and more ideal for a 2nd or 3rd grader. Any thoughts? Sorry to hijack.

I had an advanced reader and he found Harry Potter boring. Too much mopey relationship stuff and not enough action.

There are lots of great books to read to kids that age:

Caddie Woodlawn
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Coraline (scary!)
Captain Underpants series
Percy Jackson series (my kids LOVED these)
Chronicles of Narnia
Magic Treehouse series (totally appropriate for a 6 year old)
Charlotte's Web (sad!)
Wind in the Willows
The Golden Compass
The BFG

I love an excuse to recommend this book
"The Read Aloud Handbook"
it's great because it gives a huge list of books, and suggests the age that it is appropriate for a kids to HEAR the book. Great for reading aloud, but also great for parents that might have an early reader and are looking for stuff for the kids to read, but worried the contend might be for older kids.

Anonymous wrote:My opinion: the first one is ok. The second one is probably ok. The third one and after, too scary, and also I don't know how much a 6-year-old would get out of it.

There are lots and lots of lovely books to read out loud to 6-year-olds that are not Harry Potter.

I agree. There s a whole world of lovely books out there. Have we forgotten that? Do people gravitate to HP just b/c they are not aware of the almost limitless possibilities of FANTASTIC children's books out there, and they need a "name" book to be able to mention to other parents in conversation: "Junior just wrapped up HP. He's such an insatiable reader!"

?? I don't get this.

My opinion: the first one is ok. The second one is probably ok. The third one and after, too scary, and also I don't know how much a 6-year-old would get out of it.

There are lots and lots of lovely books to read out loud to 6-year-olds that are not Harry Potter.

I have a 6 yr old DD and DH and I were just discussing HP last night and whether or not it is age - appropriate. She is still on first readers but we're considering starting reading it to her. Seems a little scary and more ideal for a 2nd or 3rd grader. Any thoughts? Sorry to hijack.

My 5 year old devours chapter books and "could" read Harry Potter to herself, but we don't want to give them to her because they are kind of scary, and we want her to fully enjoy them when she's ready at 8 or so.

That said...I wouldnt care if anyone told me that about their kids reading it at any age. I love the HP Books, I would probably chat about the plot line with their kids for fun

Why does it bother you? My 7 yo DD has read 3 Harry Potter books and I neither encouraged nor discouraged it. As long as she's reading, I'm not particularly concerned what it is for now - whatever interests her is fine by me.

My 6 yo DS loves the Harry Potter movies but is a LONG way off being able to read one of the books. Each in their own time. It's not a race. Are you sure those people are implying it's a race?!

I think my K child can read. But she reads me Frog and Toad, Frances, Danny and the Dinosaur. I don't think she has the vocabulary to read HP.

Its ridiculous. For some reason the Harry Potter books have become fodder for bragging rights. They aren't even very good. My kids never liked them.

I have one child who was an early reader -- 3 years old -- and another who didn't learn to read until he was 6. It made absolutely no difference in the long run. Both my kids are avid readers and excellent students. I always laugh at parents who fixate on this. Unless there is an LD issue, it doesn't matter when I child learns how to read. (Within reason).

Kids with older siblings just want to read what they see others reading and talking about...and getting publicity. I let my early reader read what she wanted. Sometimes it was Magic Tree house and sometimes it was Harry Potter. It was not so much that I "gave it" but just that it was on the shelf and was read. She is much older now and has read her copies of the Hary Potter books to the point of falling apart. I am sure she expereinces them differently than she did when she as younger.

I think you need something else to worry about, OP.

Every time someone says their DC is an advanced reader, here or IRL- "my DC is reading Harry Potter in K!!!!!!"

Seriously? Why is that so great? It is like a dog and pony show or something. it isn't age appropriate, and even if there is the random child out there that truly reads and comprehends it, most of them don't. My DC could have read it at 4, but didn't, I give age appropriate books. DC is now almost 7 and that book still isn't something I would give.

Let your kids be kids!!! Let them read fun books!!