2006-09-14 04:02:25 · 9 answers · asked by Paul H 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Here we go, with capitals!
I am an English Literature teacher in an international school, trying to introduce classics to children for whom English is a second, third or even fourth language. My intention is to familiarise them with the the plot and character of the novel, without having to resort to the tried and and tested 'cop-out'; showing the movie. Once the children have mastered the story I then intend to work with them on extracts from the original, building up their ability to both understand and interpret Dickens' original.
Please do not take the moral high-ground before you have the facts. I was fishing for some assistance in bringing English classics to a new audience. Unfortunately, it would appear, as happens all too often, that some people cannot resist using the anonimity of the internet as a soap box from which they can make themselves feel superior.
If anyone has any useful advice, please contibute, I would be very grateful for the help.
2006-09-17 05:19:54 · update #1
Yes, published by Great Illustrated Classics, available at Wal-Mart, Barnes and Noble, B. Daltin, Walden, etc. Any good sized book store should have them. Enjoy.
2006-09-14 04:10:13 · answer #1 · answered by student 8 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that 12 year olds would be able to handle the original.
As mentioned above Great Illustrated Classics would be a parent or teacher's first choice. Don't go there. They are horrible renditions of classics. Not worth the gum on the bottom of your shoe.
I would recommend an audiobook. An audiobook would allow you the freedom of pausing when the kids ask questions and would help the kids get aquainted with how the words are used. I would highly recommend this option.
Good Luck!
2006-09-14 16:14:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
12-year-olds should be able to read the real thing! Please, don't water down the classics for kids. So what if it takes longer to read than two or three modern books. They will learn more in the end.
I'm about to open a bookstore, and you have reminded me once again why an important specialty for me is good old children's books. Consider: most authors are writing to an audience he assumes will include, if not be primarily composed of, children the same age as the main character or characters. It is a given when you include a child or adolescent as a major character.
Therefore, your question about Oliver Twist (which you did not even take the time to capitalize correctly; nor the letter I for yourself), is a reminder of why these good books must be available to modern kids.
2006-09-14 11:14:18 · answer #3 · answered by auntb93again 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree that twelve year olds are able to read and understand the original. Any abridged or whatever version would completely spoil the story, the atmosphere, Dickens' intentions, etc.
2006-09-14 12:34:02 · answer #4 · answered by msmiligan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think 12 year olds should be able to follow the original version.
Watering classics down because you think they won't be able to understand them is either patronising to them or lazy; as you maybe don't feel able to answer any questions they may ask.
Do them a favour, let them hear the original in all its beauty and splendour.
2006-09-14 14:38:23 · answer #5 · answered by serenityredflowers 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try "Cleft Notes." They are a condensed version used for quicky college reports. Not much "romance" but it does carry the plot. OR, rent the movie "Oliver." Much fun.
2006-09-14 11:05:08 · answer #6 · answered by Spirit Walker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if this will help you, but go
to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Twist this word ends in t
and see if this is what you are looking for.
Hope it helps you.
2006-09-14 11:12:20 · answer #7 · answered by Boricua Born 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can but you shouldn't
2006-09-14 14:32:41 · answer #8 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe cliff notes has it
2006-09-14 11:04:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋