Why reading classic books is essential for vocabulary development

We know that often parents and children are hesitant about reading classic books. If this is you we want to encourage you in the following way.

Our Classic Books List

There is a countless number of classic books out there, some of which are of no use to your child’s vocabulary development and some are extremely useful. We have narrowed down the best books and given a brief explanation on why each one is very useful for your child’s development. Find out Classic Books List by clicking the link below:

Classic Books List

We have done the hard work for you to give your child the best possible development and to save your time, money and energy!

Why is reading Classic Books important?

Many 11 Plus exams, whether they are for Independent Schools or Grammar Schools, have difficult comprehension texts within them. The texts may be about an unfamiliar subject matter and contain complex vocabulary and complex sentence construction. Getting children to read suitable classic books helps them to develop the ability to deal with more complex English and helps them develop a broader vocabulary.

Use Paired reading to get into Classic books

Reading together using the paired reading method can really help you to get into classic books. You could alternatively read some of the books which are relevant for a younger audience to your child at night. Reading together helps children to understand what is going on and to grasp the more difficult vocabulary they will encounter.

Children will develop a much wider vocabulary if they read classic books

One of the key reasons that children benefit from reading classic books in preparation for their 11 Plus exam is that they will encounter vocabulary that they may not otherwise encounter.

To illustrate this here’s a selection of the more unusual vocabulary contained on just one page of excellent adventure story Robinson Crusoe By Daniel Defoe

Sabbath

Reckoning

Omitted

Gunner

Popish

Husbanded

Notwithstanding

Pale

Heavily

Afflicting

Despondency

Partially

Poring

Creditor

Debtor

Perishing

Sustenance

Ranging