Meeting all needs with SF By Joy

*the anthology at gr. 3 has wonderful stories that are perfect for all levels- easy, on grade level and challenge. I generally play the audio tapes for my entire class (the first time we read the story). If my below grade level readers are challenged by the text, we can revisit it again with the tapes by reading in small groups or with partners. I generally keep the tapes in my listening center for the kids to revisit throughout the week.

* As for comprehension, the series comes with leveled practice sheets that meet the needs of all readers. I also use the questions that are provided at the end of the story and the selection tests to check comprehension.

* The leveled readers also provide new challenges. The easy and on grade level students have mini books that focus on the skill lesson and reinforce the vocabulary that was introduced in the anthology. The assessment pages for the leveled readers are not that great. We were encouraged to pick and choose the assessment pages that we feel are most appropriate.

*For below grade level readers there is a phonics take home reader book that can be used each week as well. For academic intervention personnel there is yet another resource book filled with stories, graphic organizers etc.

* The stories in the challenge leveled readers are very long and include advanced vocabulary. These booklets are filled with research projects for the kids to complete throughout the unit. My kids really love the projects.

*If the instructor feels that the children in any of the leveled reader groups need more of a challenge or more support, there is a tradebook library resource book that is filled with supplemental ideas. I have found that I have not had time to use the tradebook library because there are so many other materials to use.

Are you purchasing this series for all grades K-6?

I'm just curious.

The teachers in my district who teach grades 1-5 seem to be very pleased with the series. Our Gr. 6 teachers who teach at the middle school are not as happy. They feel that the materials are too easy for the kids. They would like to phase out the use of a reading series and focus on Novel Studies so that the kids are better prepared for 7th grade English where a series is not being used.

If you have other questions, please don't be afraid to ask. Once again, I am not an expert but I can share my thoughts and opinions.