How to Introduce Young Kids to Classic Literature and Books

When you read to your child you should provide a mix of material that is at their level of understanding and beyond their level of understanding.

Books they can easily understand can be fun and enjoyable. But books that are beyond their current reading ability can provide a challenge that broadens their understanding, knowledge and vocabulary. Reading classic literature is a great way to do this. Classics are classics for a reason. Books that have remained popular with several generations are those that are most appealing to children.

You can start introducing classics to children as early as 5 or 6 year of age. You should continue to read to your kids through the elementary school years, even if they are good readers themselves. Let them read easier books to themselves. You can read the more challenging books.

Before you introduce the original version of a book, try to find abridged or other simplified versions. Many early readers and picture books provide a basic overview of classic stories. If possible, start with those. If not, try to find an abridged version.

Before you start reading, give your child an overview of the story. If you have never read the book yourself, search online for overviews or reviews. Giving your child an overview can pique their interest and the story will make more sense.

When you read, you may have to do quite a bit of explaining to make the story understandable. As you get further into the book, the amount of explanation will most likely decrease. If you feel that some sections of the book are either inappropriate or way beyond your child, skip them. Don't read too much at a time. Three to five pages a day should be enough unless your child wants more. You may be able to increase this amount if your child's understanding has increased.

If you feel that a book is just too hard and requires too much explanation and if your child is disinterested and tuning out, stop reading and move onto another book. Like adults, children have different tastes. If one book doesn't work, don't give up. Move onto something else.

If your child enjoys the book, move onto the original. Many classic books are available online for free. Gutenberg.org is a great place to find classic literature for kids. Online books are great if you have an ereader or iPad. Look for used literature classics at library book sales or used bookstores. Use the same methods that you used with the abridged version.

The following are classic books that you can introduce to young readers: kindergarten and elementary students. Many are available in an abridged form:

• Treasure Island
• Little Women
• A Little Princess
• The Prince and the Pauper
• The Adventures of Pinocchio
• Beatrix Potter books
• The Nutcracker
• Oliver Twist
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
• Watership Down
• Alice in Wonderland
• Wind in the Willows
• Peter Pan
• Anne of Green Gables
• The Little Prince
• The Secret Garden
• Jungle Book
• The Call of the Wild
• Winnie the Pooh
• The House at Pooh Corner
• Little House on the Prairie
• Charlotte's Web
• Emily's Runaway Imagination
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
• Swiss Family Robinson
• A Christmas Carol
• The American Girl Series