How much "Tom Sawyer" is on Tom Sawyer Island?

[cancilla]

We're gearing up for my son's first WDW trip in a few months. He's going to be 8 and I know he'll love to run around there, but I was wondering if it would be worth making him familiar with the story before visiting. How much is there on the island that would be more meaningful to someone who has read the book?

Thanks!

--Dominick

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

It' kind of a toss up. There are certainly things that do relate to the story- the half-painted white picket fence, Aunt Polly's ice cream, etc. I would maybe read him the book simply for the pleasure of reading it with him. He will have a good time there, regardless. Maybe getting him into the book and letting him run around over there will really let him get into. All of a sudden, he can put the story to a "place" and has a visual connection to go with the story.

Competing in pageants for years, my platform was always supporting literacy in children, so I may be a bit biased. I firmly, firmly believe in reading with your children. It's great for both of you- or the whole family. I always loved tutoring and having the kids return some time later and *they* would actually read to the whole family! This was even more incredible when it was families that English was not the native tongue. The kids ended up becoming the teachers. Warms my heart thinking about it now

 

[Schmeck]

I don't know how related the fort part of the island is to Tom Sawyer, but the caves have a little bit of the story on signs out front, etc. My kids never knew the story, but loved the feel of the island. They read Twain in 9th and 10th grade here.

 

[cancilla]

Thanks for the info! We homeschool and are looking for as many educational opportunities as we can during our lengthy WDW stay. My son really enjoys learning, and I think the suggestion of giving him a visual connection with the story is a great one.

By the way, UnderThe Mistletoe, and both read to our son every day and encourage him to read on his own. We're working on the Narnia books right now.

Let me know if you think of anything else!

--Dominick