How do you help your child with English?

[BungledUpInTwo]

I'm an English teacher. I'm wondering - how many of you read the set texts your child is studying for GCSE? If they're studying Frankenstein do you buy your own copy and read it?

If so why? And if not why not?

Thanks. Interested to hear experiences on this.

For my now year 12 I purchased the books and study guides for the set texts.
We love the theatre so went and watched live productions of Macbeth and An Inspector Call. We also watched the BBC drama of An Inspector Calls.
I read the books and looked at poems with him. We researched the authors together and enjoyed researching how their experiences had influenced their writing.
My DS has taken English Lit A level. We went to The Globe to watch Othello. I struggle with Shakespeare but have to admit I enjoyed the experience.

I don't try and replicate what school are teaching. But I do try and have an understanding of what is required to support the DC effectively.

Would it be very bad for me to admit that, not only have I not (re)read DD1s GCSE texts, I have also confessed to her that I didn't even read the whole of Lord of the Flies when I was studying it myself! It infuriated me so much I gambled that I'd be able to answer the questions on all the other texts and leave that one out.

I do have a working knowledge of all three texts though, sufficient that I am able to discuss issues with her when she wants me to. Helping her memorise poems is also something I can realistically help with.

I'm only educated to CSE level, failed my O levels I am an avid reader but not set texts, maybe I should..

I suggest watching as many film and stage versions as possible, as your budget permits. Plays are meant to be watched, not read. Even stuff like West Side Story for R&J might help students 'get' stuff they hadn't before

Get eye roll if I suggest that kitnkaboodle