Basal Readers

The idea of the basal reader is to introduce skills and vocabulary to students and then to give them practical experience reading examples of and using the knowledge. Focus on discussing the literature in its entirety, rather than focusing on factual information. The author seems to assume that the reader is not only familiar with whole language, but that the reader is a staunch supporter of whole language as well. For this reason, the literature selections found in basal readers are often developed for the text. Discussions about the reading selection should include multiple answers to questions with the emphasis taken off of being right or wrong. I felt like I was being persuaded to use basal readers under the guise of being informed as to what they are. I think a balanced approach is the best way to teach reading and the current research seems to substantiate this. I understand that this is just an excerpt, but I don’t think I have gotten much out of it. Literature that isn’t created for the text is usually heavily edited to fit this purpose. The stories in the readers must utilize and build upon the vocabulary and skills already covered and must be sequential.

However, basal readers can be used effectively by teachers, if they are used creatively. I, furthermore, think that I would have gleaned even less from it had I not already had a personal basis with both basal readers and whole language. When using basal readers, teachers should allow for some student choice. The most important factor for a successful program, the article says, is the teacher.