I had never realized all the material given in basal reading programs. The teachers are given so many different activities to to with the students and provide differentiated instructions to adapt to all students. I can see how this information can be incredibly beneficial in the classroom. The day to day lesson plans are already planned out and this could be a great stress reliever for new teachers.
While these programs can be a great tool, there seems to be way more activities than could ever be used in a lesson. I think it is important for teachers to pick and choose activities that will be most beneficial to the students and ones relevant to GLCEs that are trying to be covered. Basal reading programs were used quite often when I was in Elementary school, but I see them being used less and less in schools now. I've heard teachers say that basal programs are the east way out and teachers who use them are lazy. I see how they could think this but I do not completely agree. Basal programs offer great staring points for many lessons and many can be adapted to fit specific lessons. I would definitely use basal programs in my classroom.
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I agree with your idea that Basal reading programs can be great tools if they are not overused. I have a slightly different perspective on them as I do not remember using these programs when I was in school. These programs all seemed new to me as I have only recently seen them in the classrooms I have been working in.
ReplyDeleteAs a student who didn't use basal reading programs in elementary school, I remember reading a variety of books that we could usually choose from. I attribute this to why I enjoy reading so much today. I agree that basal reading programs can be great tools, but authentic literacy should be taught in the classroom as well!