How the heck do you use a basal?

Seriously, we've done something different for literacy and n ow we're going back to basal, which is awesome, but there is SOOOO much involved. Any tips?

Re: How the heck do you use a basal?

We left basals about 7 years ago. Our school has not gone back.

When we did them, it was part of a whole boxed program, so there were guides for everything. This made them much easier than what we do now.

I know it is an age old debate, but after working with both, I am not the biggest basal fan.

Re: How the heck do you use a basal?

Re: How the heck do you use a basal?

Basals are very regimented. they spell everything out for you. Some are much more involved than others. You have to look through it and get familiar with it before you teach from it.

Re: How the heck do you use a basal?

I will not start using it until next monday, but it's a bit daunting.

Re: How the heck do you use a basal?

It depends on how strictly you have to follow it. My school uses basals, but we don't have to follow them day by day nor do every activity.
They usually are planned out daily, so I just looked through the basal and saw the patterns (e.g. day 1 phonics focus, day 2 comprehension focus, etc). I eventually figured out a pattern/routine to follow and that's what I do each week.
(This is for first grade)