I would like to know what experience any of you who teach in resource settings have had using the Language Curriculum. I’m wondering,if I had a choice of one reading program to use in an elementary level resource room for children with learning disabilities, which one would be be the best investment? I have a lot of teaching experience with one-to-one remediation using multi-sensory techniques and sequenced instruction. Mostly in my daily practice, I use components from several programs (Wilson, Orton techniques, Phonographix) and design instruction to fit the individual child. If I move to a group setting, I need something that will not involve as much planning time, yet has excellent research results. I know some of you love this program but I’m not sure how I feel about classroom implementation of Phonographix (although I have the book and have used it). I would really like to hear from any of you teachers about what you’ve used in group settings and how effective the particular method has been. Thanks for taking the time to answer! Ann
Re: Reading program for resource rm
Dear Ann,I am using the LANGUAGE! curriculum in an SDC-LH middle school classroom. This is my first full year using it. While I like the program, especially the sequence, you should be aware that it requires a lot of planning/preping. The second edition has made the curriculum easier to plan, but it’s still a lot of work if you use it to its fullest potential. My progress through the units this year has been way too slow, partially because I’m learning the curriculum and partly because each unit has so much to cover. I think next year I will be able to progress faster. I don’t know if you’ve been through the training, but if you haven’t consider that a must. The program made much more sense to my after training, and personally, I enjoyed talking with other teachers who were implementing LANGUAGE! If you have any questions please feel free to email me. Holly
: I do for a group setting, what you do for individual setting. I use multi-sensory structured explicit teaching. I happen to like the skill sequence used in Language!, Project Read and a few similar programs. I, however, do not use any published program as “my program.” I follow a skill sequence and utilize multiple activities to teach. Language! is pretty thorough. It is geared for secondary age students who have not learned to read. The content is more secondary oriented than other programs. Skill sequence is fine.