| Working Group 17: | ||
| How can teachers fit adopted basal programs into the Four Blocks Framework? | ||
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Keep these things in mind: | |
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The Four Blocks is a framework. Try to plug your basal program into the framework and not vice versa. | |
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It is impossible to do everything in the basal. Check with the administration about how much flexibility you have. | |
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Much of the material in the basal seems to fit well in the Guided Reading block. With that in mind, remember that Guided Reading is a comprehension block. Decide what materials to use and how to use them. | |
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Ideas | |
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Know your students. Pick the best mode in which to use a story. | |
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If the text is too difficult, have your class help you write a summary. Type up the summary and use it for Guided Reading. | |
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Use the selection as a Reader’s Theatre | |
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Supplement the text with easier/harder stories | |
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Supplement with big books, trade books, children’s news sources | |
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Skip stories that are inappropriate | |
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If a selection is too long, read portions | |
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Pair a fiction selection with non-fiction or related books | |
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Use a selection as a book club book | |
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Keep a list of comprehension strategies – use it to plan Guided Reading lessons | |
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Check the Four Blocks planner for ideas | |
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Take advantage of district or state Scope and Sequences | |
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Choose Word Wall words or Big Words from the literature | |
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Put phonics in the Words Block | |
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Send home basals for home/school connection | |
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Send home workbook pages for reinforcement (rather than spending much time on them in class) | |
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It is helpful when: | |
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Publishers tell the administration that teachers should not try to teach it all | |
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Someone trained in the Four Blocks trains the district in the use of the new basal series | |
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Teachers have time for collaboration with one another | |
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Principals give teachers freedom and flexibility within the basal program | |
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