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:
- Prepare: Go over the Key Words, Necessary Words, and historical context
words called People, Places and Things
- Preview
- Read the Chapter (1 page)
- Complete the Comprehension Check
- 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. Select workbooks and workbook sets are also available with downloadable audio versions of
the guide if that helps your learner work independently. Versions containing audio downloads will have a blue download icon in the product image.
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.
