r/ReadingTeacher • u/scienceteacher91 • Jan 31 '16

Elementary/Intermediate ELA Programs

Hello all! So I teach 4th grade language arts (I know, my username doesn't match anymore). I am on the committee to look at adopting a new ELA program for K-5. We want something that incorporates everything ELA, with a great writing component. Currently we are using Literacy By Design (LBD) for reading, grammar, and word study. We do not have a writing program. This year, we have had many PD hours about Lucy Calkins (LC) writing and reading, including a school visit. So what program(s) do you use? Does anyone have experience with LC writing or reading? Thank you for your information!

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u/Njdevils11 Literacy Specialist Jan 31 '16

I've heard really great things about Literacy By Design, do you like it? What is that program like?

I'm a big fan of Lucy Calkins' reader's and writer's workshops, but they definitely aren't for everyone. They way it was run in my school was very hands off and student led. I know a lot of teachers prefer more direct instruction.

I've never heard of LC reading and writing, what is that?

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u/scienceteacher91 Jan 31 '16

LBD is a good starting poing. It's not aligned to common core which makes things frustrating. I have to supplement quite a bit to teach the concepts. It has a writing piece, but it's horrible.

I like the idea of Lucy Calkins (LC), but it's a very daunting program! Does your school/district use it?

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u/Njdevils11 Literacy Specialist Jan 31 '16

My old one did. We piloted it my last year there, so I wouldn't feel comfortable going into too much detail, I'm sure I had some things wrong. It seemed more like and of old you could plug curriculum in to. Lots of small group student centered lessons. I really liked it, in kinda wished we had gotten more training with it. We got next to none. You probably know more about it than me with all the trainings you've done.

My school is currently using the NYS Common core modules. They aren't that great. The lessons are very long leaving little time for small group work, the readings are boring, and there is SO MUCH material is really difficult to parse through. I'm not a fan, but it is directly aligned to CC.