[MOSAIC] Adopting a new reading series - Help!

[Barbara Punchak]

Cathleen,
Ohmygosh!  A Stepford School!  Seriously...earlier this year, my school
(middle) revamped their "curriculum guide/goals."  Those who were on the
committee thought only CERTAIN reading skills could be taught using specific
stories---until---I looked at them quizzically and said the following
"profound" statements...{haha} "Reading skills are 'reading skills' and can
be, but more importantly, should be taught with EVERY piece of
literature---every story, every book, every poem, every essay and article!
We shouldn't simply teach "main idea" for ____________ story because that's
what the publisher's TE says to do, but teach inferencing for
_________________ story.  Why can't we teach main idea, inferencing,
questioning, evaluating...blah, blah for EVERY story?" (Yes, I know kids
must be taught to use these skills first. But I'm sure you understand where
I'm headed with this.) You should have seen the look of confused
enlightenment when I said this!  Yet another example of how publishers
infiltrate our teaching.   Needless to say, I'm now able to use any piece of
literature I'd like...as long as I teach THE SKILLS that are mentioned in
our "new and improved" curriculum guide.

By the way, when I taught elementary, our school adopted MacMillan/McGraw
and I agree that the stories weren't bad. (I preferred Open Court---but
that's another story.) In my opinion, there is way too much "stuff" (aka
fluff) that comes with the MacMillan program.  More than any teacher could
use in 2 years with the same group of kids.  You need time to lay out all
the resources and plan your year/quarter---time to pick and choose what will
work BEST for your current group of students.  Every year is different.
Barbara/6th/FL

 
-----Original Message-----
 On Behalf Of Cathleen Cunningham
Hello all,
  I've been a lurker for a few years and really enjoy your ideas!  I've
often used a few even though I teach in a Reading First school.  In my
school I am required to teach reading
  directly from a basal series.  I cannot leave the teacher's manual.  There
are 5 third grade teachers and we are all on the same page, same story, and
same skill.  However, because
  of you all I do manage to sneak in a few strategies to help my students
become more active readers.
   
  If possible, I'd like some comments about a new reading series we're
getting ready to adopt.  We are looking at the new McGraw-Hill.  Does anyone
have any experience with
  this series if so could you possibly let me know what you think?
   
  Thanks so much for all your help.  
  Cathleen