Dear Parents,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you may know, this term your 6th grade student in the Bilingual Program will be reading Gregor the Overlander<\/em> by Suzanne Collins. This will not be an adapted or abridged text, but rather the original work of American young adult literature. We\u2019d like to give you some background about the novel, mention the benefits and challenges from the students\u2019 point of view, and also make suggestions for how you could help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading in any language expands the mind and helps us explore vital topics and real-life situations, all the while allowing students to develop their comprehension skills, critical thinking capabilities and complexity of thought both in general and also in that specific language. Indeed, research indicates that reading skills directly relate to future academic and professional success. It can help students gain a deeper understanding of context and why characters \u2013 and people \u2013 make the choices they do. Reading also helps build independence and self-confidence and has a positive effect on the development of empathy as well as concentration. Finally, reading is a major resource for using and understanding language \u2013 including grammatical structure, lexical knowledge and writing skills. Not only can students pick up new words, but reading them in an authentic context can also help students understand the subtle nuances of the lexis that was chosen by the author. The same is true when we process the plot and character development through the linguistic structures employed by the author \u2013 helping students understand a variety of uses \u201cin the linguistic wild\u201d, as it were. All in all, reading in any language develops skills that are essential for each student\u2019s continuing studies and life in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gregor the Overlander<\/em> was chosen in 2004 for the Kirkus Reviews Editor’s Choice and won NIBA Children’s Novel Award in 2005. It is also highly recommended among many middle grade reading lists for its imaginative and vivid fantasy world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gregor the Overlander<\/em> is an engaging fantasy novel that captivates sixth-grade EFL students, making language learning enjoyable. Gregor\u2019s love for his sister kicks off an epic adventure into the Underland which transports students into a\u00a0 realm of diverse and unexpected characters. The book introduces a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures in context, enhancing students’ language skills along the way. It also encourages critical thinking through its exploration of themes like bravery, loyalty, and identity, while fostering social-emotional learning by highlighting relationships and empathy. By reading this novel, students not only build a strong foundation in English but also develop a love for reading, preparing them for more advanced literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gregor the Overlander <\/em>does have its challenges. Due to its complex vocabulary, fast-paced plot, and the introduction of multiple characters and fantasy species, may be overwhelming for learners still developing their language skills. Additionally, the book’s emotional depth and use of idiomatic expressions may be difficult for students to fully grasp. To help, you can encourage your child to talk about key points after each chapter to ensure understanding. Reading with your son or daughter would also help in fostering discussions and new perspectives.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please let us know if you have further questions. We would like to thank you for your support in helping your child keep up with his or her chapter-by-chapter reading assignments at home. Finally, we hope your son or daughter learns from this novel and, most importantly, enjoys reading it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by Suzanne Collins Dear Parents, As you may know, this term your 6th grade student in the Bilingual Program will be reading Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins. This will not be an adapted or abridged text, but rather the original work of American young adult literature. We\u2019d like to give you some background about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9226","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhy is it important for my child to read in English?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why was this novel chosen?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are the benefits of this novel?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are some of the challenges?\/How can I as a parent help?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n