Gulliver's Travels Worktext

Edcon Classic Worktexts Bring the Classics to Life brings an abridged version of classic literature to a reader who may find the original versions out of reach academically. EDCON removes barriers, presenting these stories in a format where the student can focus on enjoying themselves and experience success!  

EDCON resources are often used with a struggling reader who may be in middle, or even high school, but reading below grade level. They need big kid content presented differently. Levels one to five do refer to grade levels. However, if you are remediating or accommodating a reading issue, parents can use the levels as a progress guide. For example, a student may begin in level three and progress through the fours and fives. Each level includes ten worktexts.

On the flip side, some parents use EDCON to introduce classic literature to a younger reader. You can expose a younger student to complex stories they will eventually read in their original form, but in an age-appropriate, abridged version.

Each reader is self-contained in a 72-page worktext. A worktext is what we call a consumable workbook with instruction as well as practice and assessments. Call it a workbook, guide, or reader if you like, it all applies. No additional material required. You’ll find the story, vocabulary with definitions, comprehension questions and an answer key within the covers. The books are affordable and reproducible for families.

Chapters (referred to as stories) are presented on one page. That’s it! The books are black and white, with illustrations. When you are working with a struggling reader, simple presentation is often appreciated. It helps them focus on the words in front of them, not be distracted by a cute border or colorful image. Classic novels have been reduced to ten pages. Ten one-page chapters. You are getting the essence of the story minus a lot of details. Each chapter will look like this:

1. Prepare: Go over the Key Words, Necessary Words, and historical context words called People, Places and Things
2. Preview
3. Read the Chapter (1 page)
4. Complete the Comprehension Check
5. And do the Vocabulary Check

Some questions are identified with a shape ‘code’. This is useful if you are focusing on a particularly challenging skill. If you see a circle, that question requires using inference. A triangle requires the reader to think of another name for the story. A square tells you the question is about the main idea of the story.  And if you see a diamond, your student is asked about the sequence (recalling the order of events in the story.) You may see one or all of the shapes on the comprehension check page. You can use these cues to assess if your student is showing a pattern in their answers. For example, if they are not remembering the sequence of events or frequently missing the main idea.

Every chapter of Edcon will follow this format. Every level. Every novel. Clear expectations and predictability are important to a student who finds reading complex literature a daunting task. Experiment with your student working with you and working independently. Give them a chance to be successful both ways. Add the downloadable audio versions of the guide if that helps your learner work independently.

As you work through the guides, you are teaching your student how to digest literature successfully. It matters not that the story has been cut to just ten pages and the sentences sound choppy to your well-read ear. What does matter is that your student is reading and enjoying classic literature.