Adult topics for kids

[hotwire7]

I started reading "grown-up" science fiction to Jacob when he was four. I posted about it in LJ just after he turned five, here: http://hotwire7.livejournal.com/4748.htmlRead more... )

Comments

[folkmew]

I think your reasoning is great. You know Jacob best. It is the kind of thing I'd do with my guys. However, I did appreciate devon's comment below. it made me think. Perhaps I should have/ should now limit Rowan's exposure more because he is predisposed to using aggression to cope with anger (though he's getting a LOT better I'm happy to say!). I think he is intense and tends to internalize stuff too. Interesting point

[drzarron]

Sabrina and I are reading "Little Fuzzie". It a nice book for her to get exposure to harder SF... the cute little animal factor is a good hook.

I found with storied like this is best to discuss the scarier aspect before we get to them in the story. Knowing that bad people are going to try and exploit the Fuzzies and that some of them will die ahead of time, she sees the ground work being laid early on. She actually made suggestions to how the characters could avoid the troubles ahead (yes, I'm proud of her).

I'm always astounded by her ability to grasp concepts and see where events will lead. She's really getting into it.

I also find its important to stop when you get to certain words and concepts and make sure she understands what things like "Xenobiology" and "Countergravity".

[kgkofmel]

The really, really important thing here is that you are reading the book(s) together, and that you can disuss and (I presume) change the pace or the book if it seems to create problems.

That's what I see stressed over and over in the context of literacies, whether in terms of reading, television, movies, some games, or even advertising: the presence and participation of an adult.

[mbumby]

That's not a Moon I'm familiar with, but as you describe it (not glorifying the good-guys-win battle-and-blood-and-glory aspect, but being somewhat more ... realistic) and since you're reading it with him, and are there to explain anything that he might not get by himself this time through, it sounds like it makes a lot of sense.

[thatguychuck]

I think you're doing a great Dad Thing. I strongly second what KG said above, that it's good you're doing it together, and he has the participation of an adult. But better than that, the adult is his dad. :)