Pam,
Thanks for writing. Yes, Redwall really does work in the last quarter of secind grade. Other teachers may not agree, but with an understanding of vocabulary and the structure of the book(perspectives alternate from one chapter to the next), second graders really can follow the story. I do use a map from the front of the book and help students write chapter summaries, at least in the beginning. Some students, especially boys, come to life and engage me in all sorts of reasoning/arguments based on evidence from the story. "But, Ms. Manna, I think Chickenhound is dead because..." :)
There are so many books in this series that Brian Jacques' books will keep strong readers busy for several years.
Pam,
Thanks for writing. Yes, Redwall really does work in the last quarter of secind grade. Other teachers may not agree, but with an understanding of vocabulary and the structure of the book(perspectives alternate from one chapter to the next), second graders really can follow the story. I do use a map from the front of the book and help students write chapter summaries, at least in the beginning. Some students, especially boys, come to life and engage me in all sorts of reasoning/arguments based on evidence from the story. "But, Ms. Manna, I think Chickenhound is dead because..." :)
There are so many books in this series that Brian Jacques' books will keep strong readers busy for several years.