To read school books or own choice?

[lovecheese]

Background, DD is in year 2 and is a very able reader, in the top guided reading/comprehension group and will probably come out with a secure level 3, not boasting, just facts. Her school has a long-winded reading scheme which goes way beyond lime band (band 11), and I really do mean way beyond. She is currently bringing home some frankly ancient books which are a struggle to get her to read because she wants to read her own stuff instead; her school does not move them up to the next level when they have read all the books in a box BTW, they have to be re-assessed by the teacher, and the emphasis has always been on the fact that the books that they bring home are for fun () and it is the books that are read during guided reading that are important. I know she is a great reader, so should I let her just read her own books and put a note in the reading diary saying as much, given that they are not moved on based on wading through book after book from school?

Don;t dismiss the ORT for more capable readers - the advanced ones are brilliant. Honestly!

ORT are fine once children can read with a degree of independence I quite like the Treetops Myths and Legends and graphic novels

Is it inappropriate for a child that is say on level 14 to read lower level books. I think DD would love Biff and Chip Time Chronicles. I'm not sure how these books match up. I really just want something that DD can enjoy....

p.s she loved the stories before and I bought a few when we were living abroad (before I knew about other schemes). She sneaks the others up to her room :)

"Is it inappropriate for a child that is say on level 14 to read lower level books."

Of course it is!

It really, really doesn't matter what she reads. If she's enjoying it let her get on with it. My children loved going back to their picture books and reading them for themselves once they could read.

Sorry I disagree

Sometimes if the teaching focus of the book isn't simply reading the words assigning a lower level book may fit the bill. For example if I want a child to work on "inference" then sometime a simpler text is best because the child doesn't have to focus on "reading the words" or "unknown vocabulary" and can focus on the skill.

and as seeker says it is always nice to return to old favourites whatever your age.

I sometimes find my ds in bed with his torch re reading magic key books. He isn't thinking about levels but re visiting old favourites like 'The riddle stone' etc.
He finds them reassuring and fun I think.

""Is it inappropriate for a child that is say on level 14 to read lower level books."

Of course it is!"

*Oh, bloody hell - that should, of course, have read "Of course it isn't!

I have just negated everything I believe about parenting and education with one typo!!*

I was trying to work it out-it seemed to be the opposite of everything else you said!

I thought it was a typo Seeker!

I'm on Chapter books but enjoyed reading Mr Nonsense recently :)

(btw I'm really happy for your ds 2boys - he's got taste!)

Cool. I'm going to see if I can track down the Chronicles (Biff and Chip). I think DD has to work hard at reading the words that sometimes she doesn't enjoy books. I wish school would give more non-fiction books because she loves these and if I go to the library I don't often have time to sift through and pick the appropriate levelled ones etc. I get though that resources are tight.

p.s thanks for responses.

There was a special offer on The Time Chronicles. 13 books down from 56.99 to 9.99. Think with Book People [?].

I agree with the PPs who said that the love of reading is the most important thing for a child of this age. I must admit I'm thoroughly enjoying revisiting books I loved as a child and getting to read some that I missed out on.

That you 2boystooloud. You were right. On sale. I've not looked on bookpeople for a while and there are some brilliant deals

Sorry that should read thank you!

2boysTooloud I owe you one! Have just ordered the books from the Book People for under £10. Thank you. Ds will be thrilled. Roll on next January when the next lot come out ...