McGuffy Readers?/Reading level ?

[periwinklemommy]

I've noticed as I've read through some of the threads that several of you use these. My dad gave me a set forever ago - probably right after my first son was born and before we had decided to homeschool. I know they're in my garage somewhere. . . should I be getting those out to use now?

How do you use them in your homeschool? What subjects do you teach from them? At what age/level did you start using them? My older boys are only 5 and 6, but they both read well, and while I'm not sure of level, I'm sure they are advanced.

Incidentally, how do you know what level your kids are reading at? Does it matter?

TIA!
Lisa

[Alana in Canada]

I have the McGuffey's too.

Here's a way to use them from Mike Jacqua (the husband of one of the Classical Writing authors, I presume). They write about how they used them FULLY. It's amazing.

http://www.mcguffeyreaders.com/others.htm

As for reading level, I haven't a clue: but if you have your children read a selection from the primer and that's too easy, go to book 1, if that's too easy and so on.
Have them read the passage out loud to you and then ask them what was it about.

WTM suggests starting with the third Eclectic Reader after your child has finished with phonics...and have the child read one passage to you 4x (4x! I just noticed that) once a week. (But first you are to read a portion of it to him to give him a "model" of what you expect.)

hth

[periwinklemommy]

Okay, so I missed that part. . .TJ was done with phonics FOREVER ago and my 5 yr old is almost done (he reads, but we're still going over phonics) Now I'm going to go do some more re-reading then find my McGuffy books!

Lisa

[Alana in Canada]

I just thought of this (slap up the side of the head)--my daughter is reading Amelia Bedelia books (and finished an Amanda the Pig book all by herself before bed, I'm so proud!) and I have her read from the second Reader. She does not find it too difficult, just a word here and there, and that's perfect for us.

(Though I may hustle her into third in a few months.)