Ordering from Scholastic is completely optional, but I have found that it gets kids really excited about reading, so I provide the forms every month. In the off chance that you are new to Scholastic, here's an explanation of how it works and how to interpret the French catalogue.
Here's what you do:
1. Look through the catalogues and decide what you would like to purchase. Note the item number.
2. Turn to the order form at the back of each catalogue. Find the items you wanted using the item number, and make sure the titles match up.
3. There are about 5 different columns showing different prices. The pink one is for Ontario, so we always use the price in that column. Circle the price for the item you want. (If you are ordering more than one copy of an item, make a note of how many you would like.)
4. Add up the total cost and the total number of items (this really helps me know that I haven't missed anything when reading your order) and write them in the two boxes at the bottom.
5. Write a cheque, made out to Scholastic Canada Ltd., for the total amount of all orders OR find exact change. Online parent pay is also set up. If you use this option, please let me know - you do not have to send in any money.
6. Send in the order form with your payment by the due date (see to-do list). An envelope or zip lock bag is perfect.
The books usually arrive within 2 weeks, and I will distribute them at the end of the day with the original order forms.
I have found Scholastic prices to be very reasonable, often cheaper than in stores. Plus, when our class order is large enough, we sometimes earn free books for our class library!
The Club de Lecture catalogue is the only French book catalogue, and it serves a very large age range. Scholastic has helped us out by levelling the books and writing a grade range just under the title - look for something like '5e année' (5th grade) in red. Don't shy away from books levelled grade 3 or 4 - it's always better to enjoy reading something too easy than to struggle with something too hard.
The books tend to increase in difficulty as you move through the catalogue, so you may not find much for an advanced reader on the front page, but towards the middle it will get into junior material. The kids are always welcome to bring books to school for silent reading time, or moments when they may complete a task early.
I also want to point out that item number 54F1 in the September catalogue is a Bescherelle (verb guide), which I have recommended all students own. I still have the same Bescherelle my parents got me, probably in grade 5, and I refer to it frequently. It is such a handy tool and I will teach students how to use it.
The books tend to increase in difficulty as you move through the catalogue, so you may not find much for an advanced reader on the front page, but towards the middle it will get into junior material. The kids are always welcome to bring books to school for silent reading time, or moments when they may complete a task early.
I also want to point out that item number 54F1 in the September catalogue is a Bescherelle (verb guide), which I have recommended all students own. I still have the same Bescherelle my parents got me, probably in grade 5, and I refer to it frequently. It is such a handy tool and I will teach students how to use it.
Hope this helps you navigate the Scholastic catalogues a little bit.
Happy reading!