The Easy Way to Teach Critical Thinking of Classic Literature

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If you’ve ever handed your child a classic novel and thought… this is going to be good for them, but also maybe a bit challenging… you’re not alone. I actually felt exactly that way when I handed my son Robinson Crusoe to read this year.

Because classics can be hard. The language is different, the pacing is slower, and unless a child already knows how to read deeply, a lot of meaning just goes straight past them.

What would be great is a guide to come alongside your child and hold their hand through the study of literature.

*this is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

When Telemachos Publishing reached out to ask for a review of the Guided Editions of the Classics from Telemachos Publishing, I was immediately interested. I’m always on the lookout for resources that actually help, not just look good on a shelf.

And these really do. I’ve been impressed!

(Pssst…there’s a great discount at the end of this post)

What These Guided Editions from Actually Are

These are well-known classics… but with support built right into the pages. That’s what I especially like about it. These can be completely self-directed. You as the homeschool parent don’t have to have a massive teacher’s manual in order for your child to greatly benefit from this resource.

Titles include things like Anne of Green Gables, The Great Gatsby, Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, Frankenstein, and more.

I love good literature. One of my favourite books is one I did a full literature study on in my final year of homeschool… To Kill a Mockingbird. So I’m very much on board with kids reading quality books like this.

The difference here is that your child isn’t left to figure it all out on their own.

There are guided questions right there on the page. Not busywork questions… but thoughtful prompts that show them what to notice, what to think about, and how to actually engage with the text. This is something unique to these specific books.

With repetition, this becomes a natural process for your child. Sound good? Check out Telemachos Publishing.

Teaching Close Reading and Critical Thinking Without You Having to Teach It All

Most kids aren’t naturally doing close reading. They’re reading the words, following the story… but they’re not always picking up on the deeper layers.

Teaching that can feel like a lot, especially if you yourself have never done much literary analysis.

What I love about these is that they model the process for your child. The questions guide them toward noticing important details and thinking more critically, without you needing to sit there and explain everything.

If you’re homeschooling multiple kids, you know how much of a big deal that is.

It means they can work more independently while still developing strong reading strategies and critical thinking skills.

Built-In Writing Support

These editions also include an introductory essay that walks students through how to form a clear argument and develop their own interpretive voice.

Not in a vague way, either. It’s structured and practical. Again, this is a unique feature that is only found in these guides from Telemachos Publishing.

I took the time to sit and read through it all, and I found it immensely helpful.

Things like how to organise their thoughts into paragraphs, how to build an argument, and how to move from simply noticing something… to actually explaining why it matters.

This isn’t just theory. The material has been developed by a high school English teacher with over 30 years of experience, including grading AP English exams and working with the College Board.

There are also model essays included, which I think is really helpful. Sometimes kids just need to see what a strong piece of writing looks like. I know that I absolutely appreciate seeing examples of work when I’m trying something new.

These writing strategies have been used at Jesuit College Preparatory School for over twenty years, with students consistently seeing a 100% pass rate on AP English exams, and over 80% scoring a 4 or 5.

Vocabulary and Context

One of the biggest barriers with classics is vocabulary. The English language evolves very quickly, which means that classic literature can be a challenge for many kids.

Instead of constantly stopping to look things up, these editions include a glossary and helpful footnotes right there on the page.

So your child can keep reading, stay engaged, and actually understand what’s going on.

This is a great feature for kiddos who are easily distracted.

Why I Think These Work So Well for Homeschool

Teaching literature well can feel daunting. You’re trying to cover reading comprehension, discussion, writing, and analysis… all at once.

And I don’t know about you, but I don’t always feel like I have to know it all in order to do it well.

That’s one of the things I really appreciate about these.

They take a lot of that pressure off. Your child is being guided through the reading in a thoughtful way, without you needing to prep a full literature study or have all the answers ready.

They’re also really manageable, affordable, and there are so many different titles to choose from. This makes it easy to find something that actually suits your child.

My son is not going to be interested in reading Anne of Green Gables, but Great Expectations or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn will absolutely pique his interest.

Where These Fit for Us

I don’t currently have a child in the age range for these just yet, but I love knowing they’re there for when we get to that stage.

However, I can already see how helpful they’re going to be.

I may very well end up using them myself. I’m just here for a good excuse to revisit some of these classics. What is homeschooling if mom doesn’t get a second chance to truly appreciate education, right?

I personally love the ease of use, the affordability, and the range of classics available. They’re also pretty, and will look great on our homeschool shelf.

One more thing that I appreciate, is that there are levels. Therefore, your child can do the literary analysis based on their level. That is all explained in the beginning of the book. This makes them a great fit for a broad range of ages and abilities.

Final Thoughts

If you want your child to read the classics, but you don’t want it to feel overwhelming or frustrating for either of you, this is such a helpful option.

It gives them the support they need to actually understand what they’re reading… and to think about it more deeply.

You can check them out here at Telemachos Publishing.

And you can use the code HOMESCHOOL for 15% off. There are also volume discounts available.

Just know this… your child doesn’t have to struggle through the classics to get something out of them. With the right support, they can actually enjoy them and understand them at the same time.

The right book can stick with your child far into their adulthood. I’m so grateful for the literature studies I did in my high school years, and I’m very grateful for what Telemachos Publishing now brings to the table.