Being a Reader is a comprehensive reading program that provides instruction in all areas of reading. It includes some instructional elements that you will recognize from Making Meaning, including the structure of the read-aloud lessons and the integration of social skills development. Outside of those similarities, some of the key differences include:
- The program is organized into 7 individual units. Reading strategies, genres, and some thinking tools are introduced in the first two units. The remaining 5 units are organized by genre rather than strategy. In Making Meaning, the units were organized by strategy.
- The knowledge-building topics in the Reading lessons
- The Word Study strand for grades 3–5, which provides word-analysis instruction and a generative approach to vocabulary instruction
- The Book Clubs program, which provides small-group reading instruction
- More pre-teaching, in-lesson, and extension activity support for English Learners
- More articles and digital media are included, as well as new read alouds.
For more information, this recorded webinar outlines what is new in Being a Reader (K–5).