Is this book too violent for 1st grade? (YES, it is...) Hi everyone, tomorrow I introduce the number 5 to my kids. I have a good story to go along with it... but I'm not sure if it's too violent or not. The book is THE FIVE CHINESE BROTHERS and in it the brother has been subjected to being executed. They attempt to cut off his neck, burn him, and drown him. Each day though, he goes home to switch off to one of his identical brothers, each who has a specific skill. I'm wondering if some of my girls won't cry or be scared... but I remember reading it when I was 6 or 7. However, I know times have changed since I was a kid, and now school systems try to be more politically correct. My school, though, offers some freedom, as long as it adds to the learning. I think the story would be a good read to my kids, and help them think of the number 5. Any opinions? I think I'm going to go through with it though, and see how it goes. I really like the story, and think it will enhance the lesson/help the kids be engaged and learn more about the # 5. I'll update after tomorrow.... edit: Nevermind, not using it. Too violent, and just thinking of my kids' needs. One has already talked about killing. Do not need that in my classroom whatsoever.
I think it's too much. I can see some kids reading and be ok with it, but I'm sure there will be at least a few kids who will be affected by it. Just to be safe, I'd use a different story.
Hmm.. that's a tough one. I think there are better stories to use for the number 5 that are age-appropriate. Also, just because you read it as a child, doesn't mean it's school/age appropriate.
this video reads the entire book and shows the pictures. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPc8DUUKdR4 Take a look and let me know what you think. I remember reading it when I was 6 or 7, but yeah, times change.
There's a kid-friendly adaptation called the Five Mouse Sisters. It may be more appropriate. Or, incorporate science as well and read a book about the five senses!
Thanks! Five Little Ducks is cute. I'll use that instead. Thanks everyone for the discussion. I'm glad I checked in, haha. Thinking about it now, I could see some girls being horrified of the story. Certainly wouldn't want that to happen! I can just imagine the conversation Tuesday night at dinner "So Bobby, what did you learn in school today?" "That China men have strong necks that can't be cut off!" Parents: Another "trash can" idea!
Just had a "duh / lightbulb" moment. As I'm reading reviews online of 5 Chinese Brothers, one comment said as a story it's pretty good but she would not have it in any grade library, because of words like execution and other murder words. Plus, I was reminded of my girl student who said she'll kill girl ____ if she didn't tell her her secret. That pretty much sealed it. 5 Ducks it is!
Randomly commenting on here that my teacher read this story to my class in I believe 2nd grade (may have been 1st) and neither I nor any other students in my class were traumatized by it (that I know of ) Still... regardless, I agree with your decision not to include it. In today's super politically-correct world, it's better to be safe than sorry! I was terrified after I read a picture book to my 3rd graders about Day of the Dead. :lol: I had one student get a little teary-eyed (it's a very bittersweet story, but illustrates the meaning of the holiday very well!) but the kids loved it and begged me to read it again. And I didn't get any concerned phone calls or emails from parents... *phew*!
Hi everyone, the lesson went great! The kids LOVED 5 Little Ducks! (Especially after I showed them the 5 little rubber duckies along with one big mama ducky. They were hooked from that point on. Then came the song, which they liked the pattern. They were all able to participate and jump in at their own comfort level. A few jumped in right with me, while many others jumped in after four little ducks and my slower students caught on by three little ducks. In hindsight, I'm so glad I did the 5 Little Ducks song. I'm not much of a singer, but I can see my 6 year olds really love singing, so I should incorporate it as much as I can. Also, for 5, I hammed it up and asked them if they wanted to meet the 5-man. They were all excited. "Long neck, has a round tummy, wears a hat." (I got this BTW from the movie "First Grader" which is currently streaming on Netflix I believe). I just loved it! And when I did it with the kids today, they really gobbled it up! Sure, the TE has a suggestion for making the 5, but it's not nearly as engaging IMO as "Long neck, round tummy, wears a hat." The kids loved that! Is there similar "talk" for 1-4, 6-xx??? How about for letters? In the movie First Grader I liked how the teacher taught the small a. She said and modeled "Fatty, thinny. Fatty, thinny." The kids loved it in my class! (of course I also let them know we never call someone fat, the only time it's OK to do it is whenever we write the little a) Just wondering if there are other "talk" language for letters and numbers akin to this style? I feel the kids get more into it than the suggested TE (Teacher Edition) talk. I'll be doing #'s 6-10 soon. Any recommended songs or books for these numbers? Thanks in advance! Today's lesson went well. Both the duck song and the "5-man talk" were huge hits with the kids. They just love that predictable and highly visual rhythmic language.
When I teach 2 I always say that it is a candy cane with a foot. They always think that is hilarious and it helps them remember. 8 is make an S and close the gate.
