Last year I realized that grade 1 might be the first time you ever get to do Scholastic. 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. 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. In the box beside the title, write the quantity that you would like to order (usually 1).
3. There are about 5 different columns showing different prices. The pink one is for Ontario, so we always use the price in that middle column. Note the price in the empty box to the right.
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.
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. If you look closely, you will see that each book has a level (Niveau) - look for the coloured circle at the bottom of the picture. Of course, you are welcome to purchase whatever you like - there's no harm in children looking at books they cannot yet read. However, if you are looking for books with words that your grade 1 student can start to sound out or read with your help, you will want to look for Niveau 1 books. By the end of the year, hopefully we will be closer to Niveau 2. There are always books that fit the theme of the season, and audio-books, that are great for any age.
Children are welcome to bring their French books to school for reading time, or for moments when they finish their task a little early.
Hope this helps you navigate the Scholastic catalogues a little bit. I have also posted two links to Scholastic sites in the language section to the right.
Happy reading!