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TJEdRefers generally to the concepts presented in the book A Thomas Jefferson Education, written by Dr. Oliver DeMille. We also have an Introduction to Thomas Jefferson Education available elsewhere on this site..org Administrator
Re: Milne- Pooh
I bought a Winnie the Pooh book several years ago and never opened it until now. My five-year-old laughs and laughs at all the funny stories. He loves to say "What's crustomoney proceedcake?" and laugh at his joke.
Just an entertaining book. And, like all good books, an imagination builder.
At Barnes and Noble the other night, in the Childrens' section he put on a Winnie the Pooh play on thier little stage for all the other children. They really had no idea what he was doing because they have probably only seen the Disney movies which leave out so many of the really funny jokes.
Re: Milne- Pooh
I have always loved the language in the original Pooh stories (the Disney versions have lost this). I think that it speaks directly to a child's heart. It is how they think (or at least how I thought when I was a child) and that is why I think they are so good for children.
First of all he said to himself: "That buzzing noise means something. You don't get a buzzing-noise like that, just buzzing and buzzing, without its meaning something. If there's a buzzing-noise, somebody's making a buzzing noise, and the only reason for making a buzzing-noise that *I* know of is because you're a bee.
Then he thought another long time, and said: "And the only reason for being a bee that I know of is making honey>"
And then he got up, and said: "And the only reason for making honey is so as *I* can eat it." So he began to climb the tree.
Pooh is a hero, even though he is not really very brave or smart. He is simple and honest and children can relate to him. Yet he is the hero of the stories. Even when Christopher Robin helps out it is because of Pooh so he is the hero in the end. Even when he makes mistakes, he is the hero because of his good, pure heart.
And even though I can't really think of any good lessons on good/bad, right/wrong, true false off the top of my head the stories are sure filled with lessons on relationships - especially friendship and loyalty and understanding of others. And isn't that one of the main lessons of Core Phase?
Jody - a true Pooh fan
Re: Milne- Pooh
I love Milne's poetry books -- "When We Were Very Young" and "Now We Are Six." The writing style really tickles me. I like the original Pooh stories too. Lots of love and loyalty.
Re: Milne- Pooh
We are reading pooh as well. I, too, do not care for the Disney versions, but am getting a kick out of the originals. My husband remembers listening to them on records as a child and can quote verbatum-with the accents, no less! My ds loves it. They do have a timeless, ageless humor, don't they?
Re: Milne- Pooh
We love the Pooh stories (not 'ala Disney, however..) because they are so sweet, clever, funny, engaging, and wholesome. They have delighted our family members at any age. Milne's writing is genius, IMHO, because he so easily can translate childhood vernacular and make it witty enough for adults. We read them again and again.
(And I also REALLY enjoy his poetry!)
Re: Milne- Pooh
Oooooppppssss!!!
*I* wrote the above message, not my DH. Sorry! This time, I remembered to log in as ME!
Hugs,
Re: Milne- Pooh
My son read the stories when he was ten (after a little protest that they were kiddie books). He kept laughing and calling me over saying, "This is hilarious, let me read this to you." He loved the sarcasm and humor, so if nothing else, it can encourage reading for pleasure.
Re: Milne- Pooh
My children and I have enjoyed the Pooh books. (The stories more than the poetry books, though we have a few favorite Milne poems.) I feel they are classics for us, but I wouldn't say we've found profound messages in them, other than maybe exploring different types of friendships.
To me they are classics because (1) they are fun to read, enjoyable time after time for the whole family together. (2) The humor and the stories help children pay attention while they are learning more vocabulary and learning to enjoy stories without illustrations on every page. (This has been especially helpful to us around age 4-5 as our children are starting to be ready to listen to family read-alouds of classics.) We also like the original illustrations, though not everyone may enjoy the particular style of drawing.
I don't particularly like the Curious George books either --- his behavior seems too risky! The only one I care for at all is Curious George Flies a Kite because he does actually see some consequences to his actions and (hopefully) learns something.
Beatrix Potter is another author we read for the fun of it, not necessarily for any deep meaning. I think it's okay for children to enjoy some books that are just fun, especially if the family can read and enjoy them together.
There are plenty of children's books on the classics lists that I *don't* consider classics for us. So if your family doesn't like the Pooh books or Curious George or whatever --- take them off your list and don't feel bad about it!
Re: Milne- Pooh
Thank you. I had not made the connection between 4-5 years old and being ready to listen to family read-alouds. We have gotten out of the habit of reading for night-night stories. Instead we usually watch a video in the evening, because the older children got into the habit of videos while I was pregnant and then nursing. I've tried a couple of times to wean them from videos, but haven't had much success. My 11yods is very interested in videos over books (he's an audiovisual learner with a strong kinetic component). He loves to discuss movies, sometimes so much so that others watching cannot hear what's going on. I love to discuss with him and consider it part of his education. However, the younger children appreciate being read to more.
I recently spent 7 hours at Goodwill, going through children's books and determining which to buy. It seems every child destroys a bushel or so, damaging or wearing out or writing in the books. I spent about 80 dollars restocking our family supply of picture story books. Of the ones I looked at, only two of Beatrice Potter's books made the cut. I have low tolerance for books that don't teach something redeeming; on the other hand, humor is a redeeming quality. Maybe I should read Milne aloud to my 5yo and see what she thinks.
The illustrations in the original Milne do not appeal to me but neither do they make me wince. They seem about right for the age they're aimed at. They fit the subject. I admit to buying a couple of fairy tale books, not because I approve of the fairy tales (they're "classic fairy tales"--Thumbelina and Snow White), but because the illustrations were stunning. The children do need to know the stories well enough to catch cultural references to them later.