To Kill a Mockingbird
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Is it appropriate to read for 6-7th graders
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Sally Atwell
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rated it 5 stars
Oct 31, 2013 02:03PM
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD should be required classroom reading for 5th-6th graders. Think of all the issues that could be brought up and talked openly about.
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I think that this book is appropriate beginning at 5th grade, depending on the reader. I do think, strongly, that the themes of this book should be discussed with a parent. This is my all-time favorite book, largely because an adult took the time to explain it and for the first time, it wasn't just a "story" but an active thought process and a compass for how I would address racism in my own world. Powerful literature that should be discussed.
I teach 8th grade, and I feel like even for my struggling readers, they can connect with the book with some scaffolding and differentiation. I do not think it is appropriate for 5th or 6th graders. I am not as concerned with the language or sexual content, but the discussions on life experiences and the richness of the text can be so much deeper in 8th grade. I have a few students each year that have read it independently. Even if they are extremely bright, they say they didn't enjoy the book much. After they read it in class and are able to discuss it, they love it. Also, as a middle school teacher, it bothers me when elementary teachers read books aloud to their class when it is in our curriculum. Please be careful not to teach required texts to your younger students.
Jen wrote: "Jen I teach 8th grade, and I feel like even for my struggling readers, they can connect with the book with some scaffolding and differentiation. I do not think it is appropriate for 5th or 6th graders. I am not as concerned with the language or sexual content, but the discussions on life experiences and the richness of the text can be so much deeper in 8th grade.."The richness of the text can be so much deeper in 12th grade, so why teach it in 8th? It can be even deeper than that when one is in college, so why not wait until then? If we waited for the deepest and richest experience, we would never read a book. I first read TKAM when I was around 2nd or 3rd grade. I loved it. I have read it more times than I can remember since. I actually got much more enjoyment from a book by reading it independently than I did in most classrooms as a required text. If I had already read a book that was required one year, it made it easier to look for the themes than if I was reading it cold. It bothers me that anyone would want to restrict someone's reading for years just so they get to be the one to introduce the book.
I don't want to restrict individual's reading, but many children are not able to comprehend the text in second grade. Reading it as a full class novel when there are thousands of other texts to choose from in unfair to the students that are not ready for that experience.
Jen wrote: "I don't want to restrict individual's reading, but many children are not able to comprehend the text in second grade. Reading it as a full class novel when there are thousands of other texts to cho..."I did not say teach it in 2nd grade. I said that is when I read it. 8th grade, in my opinion, is too late for this book. Plus students are very mobile. They may go to school in several different systems before they graduate. To ask teachers in earlier grades not to teach this book is to make sure some students miss it altogether.
Mary wrote: "Jen wrote: "I don't want to restrict individual's reading, but many children are not able to comprehend the text in second grade. Reading it as a full class novel when there are thousands of other ..."While I appreciate your opinion, most students are not ready to read this book earlier than 8th grade. I am glad you were able to experience this book early on though. It's interesting because many teachers in my district have argued that this book should not be taught until later grades.
Mary wrote: "Bart wrote: "I don't think it's inappropriate in a graphic sense, but some of the themes might be lost on younger readers. That said, if the kid is bright, they wouldn't have trouble with it :)"A..."
Mary, I think there is a difference between reading it and have it taught to an entire classroom. I believe strongly in differentiating instruction. I have a few students right now that could have read TKAM in lower elementary and loved the book. Many of my students struggle to read 3rd grade text. They may enjoy TKAM because of the scaffolding I do, but it is not necessary to require them to read a book in lower elementary when they can barely read.
Jen wrote: "Mary wrote: "Bart wrote: "I don't think it's inappropriate in a graphic sense, but some of the themes might be lost on younger readers. That said, if the kid is bright, they wouldn't have trouble w..."by a book, I meant a book like TKAM. They should read what is appropriate and challenging for them. :)
I think we are talking about two different things. Reading TKAM on your own or with a teacher or a parent when it is appropriate for YOUR reading level. Great! Reading it to a whole 5th grade class. Nope.
Jen wrote: "I think we are talking about two different things. Reading TKAM on your own or with a teacher or a parent when it is appropriate for YOUR reading level. Great! Reading it to a whole 5th grade class..."I disagree again. What in the world is wrong with reading it to an entire 5th grade class? If the book is read TO THEM, then we don't have a reading level problem.
Mary wrote: "Jen wrote: "I think we are talking about two different things. Reading TKAM on your own or with a teacher or a parent when it is appropriate for YOUR reading level. Great! Reading it to a whole 5th..."Mary, just curious. Are you a teacher? I appreciate your opinions. I just disagree. Just because you are reading to a child doesn't mean they comprehend.
I have worked with at risk kids for over 15 years. I ran a federal grant program for at risk learners for 4 years and I have been a reading tutor for many years. I have also worked with gifted students and I write educational grants for school systems. If you give the slower readers enough background knowledge about the book, most comprehend just fine.
Mary wrote: "I have worked with at risk kids for over 15 years. I ran a federal grant program for at risk learners for 4 years and I have been a reading tutor for many years. I have also worked with gifted st..."Mary, that is because you are knowledgable and experienced to do that. Although your 5th graders, for example, could be successful with this book, I don't know if every class would.
I didn't want it to come across as attacking your experience. I really appreciate your ideas. Again, I want to keep this book in the middle school instead of moving it to 9-10 grade, so I am incredibly happy to read your insights. Thank you, really!
I wish every teacher was passionate about the books they teach as you are to make it a valuable experience for any kid at any level!
Jen wrote: "Mary, that is because you are knowledgable and experienced to do that. Although your 5th graders, for example, could be successful with this book, I don't know if every class would. .."Of course not every class would be successful. Classes with poor teachers would not fare very well at all, but then they would not fare very well regardless of the book. That is no reason for a good teacher not to present this book in the earlier grades.
I was a sheltered homeschooler and read it in 7th grade. I wish that I had waited a year. I really enjoyed it but the language was too much and I didn't know about some of the other stuff in the book. One thing that really bothered me in the book was the elderly lady's drug addiction. Keep in mind that I was a sheltered homeschooler who didn't hear that stuff everyday.
Kids need a certain level of maturity (and intelligence) when they read this book. Maturity because of not only the minor swear words, but the entire concept of the book. Intelligence because of the vocabulary, and now that I think about it, the entire concept of the book! I read it when I was in 7th grade, and I liked it. So, if you feel like your kid or student or whoever is ready to read it, them let them! It teaches great life lessons- never too early to learn those ;)!
It isn't actually all that inappropriate, just hard for young readers to understand. If you want your children to digest it fully and understand the morals, then it depends on his or her maturity. I read it in sixth grade and enjoyed it, which is a good age to start in my opinion.
I was 7 or 8 years old when I read it for the first time, and while I obviously failed to comprehend some things at first (er, MANY things), I think it was ultimately a good idea, and it affected me in the best of ways. This book was quite possibly one of the very first works of fiction that made me understand the concept of racism, at least on some level, and it played a huge role in my further personal development. Oh, and I'm not American, so I'd probably never have a chance to study and discuss it in school anyway. I... wouldn't exactly call this novel obscure, no, but as far as I can tell, it's never discussed in our schools, and not all university programs include it either.
Yes, definitely, because it can ground then.
In seventh grade, my class and I read this book and my teacher made a poor decision to then show us the rated R film A Time to Kill. In comparison, TKAM was a great idea. Just in general, this book is a stepping stone to great literature (either classical or modern) and opens children's eyes to the world if they choose to look. I'd have to say yes, it is definitely appropriate, and if some discussions are brought to light that a child would like to talk to you or anyone about, all the better. This book needs to be read at some point: I suspect many people, after their scholarly careers, have sat down and read it again. It is a timeless piece worthy of attention, no thought to age, background, or any other reason.
It is totally appropriate.
to kill a mocking bird is a really good book i read it in 6th grade and i understood what it was talking about
Not 7th or 6th. Maybe 8th GRADE , But no younger than 8th grade . i read it in 9th grade and it was ok to read but my class we did a tad of analyzing.
My son read it and enjoyed it in 5th grade.
Yeah, I think TKM is appropriate for middle grade readers.A couple reasons that come to mind: I seem to remember the two kids doing a lot of kid-stuff helicoptered kids can't do anymore, and the trial gives a inkling about the kinds of horrors that can lurk behind pleasant facades.
As long as the student is mature and can understand it, then yes
Amy wrote: "Some 6th and 7th graders can handle this book, but the majority really wouldn't get the deeper meanings and implications in this book until they are a bit more mature. So often in schools (I've tau..."I really appreciate this comment.
I would say yes and no, because they may, or may not understand it, of course that depends on their reading level. I read it the summer after 8th grade. That's why. (They'll understand what rape and racism is at that age though).
Definitely if they are mature enough. I am not sure that all of them would be able to comprehend it though...
Alexis wrote: "Definitely if they are mature enough. I am not sure that all of them would be able to comprehend it though..."There are adults who cannot comprehend it.
No, this is way beyond the maturity level of most 6th and 7th graders in today's society. unfortunately, they just won't be able to identify or understand the civil rights aspect or what it actually meant to be referred to as an Uncle Tom or a "black" (nice term), sympathizer. Kids are frankly, "clueless" today, mine are no exceptions. I think because of the subject matter no longer being relevant in today's society, most youths will not be impacted or feel the magical connection that readers of our generation felt toward this fabulous classic until they are in 9th and 10th grade. Just my opinion.
The first time I read this book was in 7th grade and I think it could have gone a year younger, easily. It was definitely a favorite, and ended up being the only book I've truly reread because I changed school districts and they read it in 9th grade.
Definitely it should be read anywhere from 5th-8th grade. Or smart 4th graders. A lot of 10 year olds are reading at a 14-15 year old level anyway.
I read this beginning of high school and actually yes I think this is age appropriate. I wish I was able to read this book sooner than I did because it really is a good book with a great meaning to it. But then again, it does depend on the person reading it. Depends the maturity level of the person I suppose.
It would really depend on the maturity of the children. The more mature the better they can understand it. I myself am sort of a child prodigy, because I had classes with 8th graders when i was in 6th grade, so in one of those classes I got to read this book within a group. In the class we frequently discussed the book (which WILL MOST LIKELY BE necessary when reading with younger grade levels than 8th) and majority of the class understood it. I believe this book to be more of a 7th to 8th grade book, and less of a 6th grade book. I think 7th grade will be appropriate to read the book (class discussions of the content will be recommended).
Well as a teacher , I can truly say most schools will not allow it to be taught until 7th or 8th grade. This is when I taught the book which was well loved by most students but some were upset and we had good discussions about racism, history, differences in others and how you react or feel you must react, walking in another person's shoes, civil rights and history. Some great writing came from these discussions. It was a delicate issue with the parents and I had to be very careful with saying anything in which I felt a parent may disagree . Most kids can handle so much more than their parents want or are ready to let them. Under good supervision and parental support kids could read more interesting books at much younger levels. They could learn to love reading more , increase vocabulary and their knowledge of history at a faster pace. Parents need to let this happen ! Reading well is the key to doing well in ALL SUBJECTS not just English. If you cannot communicate or understand properly in a standard format to not be misunderstood, then you WILL NOT BE SUCCESSFUL! We have to move FORWARD FURTHER FASTER .... Dawn
Our district moved it from 8th grade to 10th grade. I think the issue is have enough background knowledge of living conditions in the South. It seems every year my middle school students have less and less awareness of the past. As I think about this question, I am beginning to think that my students don't really grasp the idea that I attended segregated schools until my junior year of high school. I am starting to think they hear the words, but they don't process the meaning.
Richard wrote: "Our district moved it from 8th grade to 10th grade. I think the issue is have enough background knowledge of living conditions in the South. It seems every year my middle school students have les..."agreed
Not at all. Kids these days know what sex is from a young age; so unless the parents are REALLY strict, there should be no problem.
There are private schools in NYC that have it as required reading for 6th grade. Some of the students do okay with it at that time but others struggle with the story level at that age (i.e. need tutoring to help).It is assessed for reading level of 8th grade and as recommended for 9-12th grade.
Whether it would be appropriate for a specific child at 5-6th grade depends on their reading and vocabulary level, as well as their general knowledge for the background of the story.
Yes, and you should read it again so that you may discuss it together.
It would be fine to read. It has a strong message and is a beautiful story. It is without any detailed description of sexual activity and void of curse words. It is a story of innocence and the resolve to do what is right. It is a timeless classic.
Are we talking about 6th and 7th graders today? Personally, I would far sooner my child read this book, then be surfing the net or watching mindless television. Also, most Xbox games are more graphic and violent than this book. That's only my opinion. It depends on the maturity level of the child.
Lisa wrote: "No, this is way beyond the maturity level of most 6th and 7th graders in today's society. unfortunately, they just won't be able to identify or understand the civil rights aspect or what it actuall..."I have to disagree, I find kids today, if given half a chance, to be well spoken, open minded, articulate and in many cases starved for the opportunity to discuss their thoughts and feelings. I say let em read it and then ask for feedback, discuss the issues...who knows you might quite simply inspire another reader to have a passion for literature. Agreed they may not get some of the finer points of the language, but that opens a door for so much more. When they ask about Uncle Tom...suggest they google it and see what they can find out...or better yet look it up together. :)
I think, Scott, that it depends on the child.Some children ARE ready for that book, others are not. To make any sweeping decision about what would be appropriate for 6-7th graders is to maybe not see the huge variability among children of that age in maturity and interest and affinity. That said, I do agree that when a child IS reading it, it is great to read it together, and have opportunity to discuss it, and other books about such topics.
Na'ama wrote: "I think, Scott, that it depends on the child.Some children ARE ready for that book, others are not. To make any sweeping decision about what would be appropriate for 6-7th graders is to maybe not ..."
Agreed, it depends on the maturity level of the child.
I read it in 8th grade and loved it
I read it when I was around 10, and I liked it quite a lot, and I wasn't disturbed by anything. However, I didn't understand the whole "rape" thing, so I would recommend it to kids probably a little older-aged than I was.
Well, it depends on a child's maturity. I think it's ok for most 6-7th graders, but if a child can't handle it at the moment, then no. They'll be exposed to the material sometime eventually. I had friends who read it in 5th grade, so I think it's fine.
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