[MOSAIC] input on basal reader--:(

[RR1981 at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/6/2006 11:16:43 AM Eastern Standard Time,  
lszyska at yahoo.com writes:

That  said, I would TOTALLY AVOID any highly scripted
program if you can.   We have Houghton Mifflin, and the
kids really seem to like the pieces and  read alouds
that I choose. I also like that there are short
nonfiction  pieces to go with each selection. I opt NOT
to order the practice  workbooks...they are a mindless
waste of time and money IMO.  I use  the anthology many
different ways...shared reading, small  group,
independent assignments.  I truly believe it's how  the
teacher uses it.  (or is allowed to use  it!)



We just adopted Houghton Mifflin this year and we are required to use it  
only, and nothing else.  I do use some of the workbook pages simply because  I 
need to have spelling practice and I need to have students involved in  
something that produces a "product" for the time when they are not in small  group 
with me.
 
Most of the stories are okay, I am not a basal fan in general.   
Additionally, I am frustrated with teaching from a third grade basal when the  vast 
majority of my class reads below grade level.  
 
Rosie