What is a DLG?
A DLG is an acronym that means Daily Lesson
Guide. The DLG is a guide for teachers to plan
theme book instruction including reading strategies, phonics/focus on words lessons, spelling,
handwriting, and grammar activities.
What DLG do I use if I am teaching in a multi-grade classroom?
In first and second grade it is important to teach the target skills in each theme in sequential
order because of the skill progression. In third grade and up, students in different grades can
be grouped together using one theme book. If this is done, activities may need to be
differentiated to meet the learning level of the students. It is also important to cover the
target skills for each grade level to assure coverage of essential skills. A compilation of
target skills for each theme in each grade level is provided on the website to assist the
Multigrade teacher with planning.
What do I do if the student can't read the theme book?
If a student cannot read the theme book independently support needs to be available. For
example, the student could listen to the book on tape while following along in the text or the
student could be paired with a student who is capable of reading the theme book. However,
it is important that theme book instruction does not replace guided reading. All students
receive guided reading instruction on their instructional level.
How do I determine a student?s level for guided reading?
Many options are available for determining a student's reading level. Jerry L.
Johns' Basic Reading Inventory is available
with Pathways for assessing students. Any assessment program you are
currently using may continue to be utilized.
How do I determine the level of books for guided reading?
Many books have the reading level noted on the book. See the guided reading section of this
website to find detailed information on websites and books that can be used for leveling books.
How do I determine which "Seedling" book for a student to read?
The Seedling books are leveled in two ways: the Fountas & Pinnell Guided Reading
Leveling System and Reading Recovery® Levels. The chart below
correlates Guided Reading Leveling and Reading Recovery Levels with Seedling.
Seedling Levels |
Guided Reading |
Reading Recovery® |
Early Emergent |
A-D |
1-5 |
Emergent |
D-E |
5-8 |
Early Fluent |
F-G |
8-12 |
Fluent |
G-J |
11-20 |
Transitional* |
J-L |
17-24 |
Choose books that are appropriate for the students' reading level. There are many choices of titles and topics available on each level.
What other leveled books are available?
Any reading materials may be used for guided reading once the level of the material is
determined. Several companies publish leveled materials for guided reading. Use caution in
choosing materials since many do not meet the criteria for materials acceptable for Seventh-day
Adventist schools. See the guided reading section of this website for more information.
What if there is some portion of the Pathways program that I don't want to
use?
Pathways is designed as an integrated language arts program and is most successfully used as a
total program. If a portion of it is not used, there will be a gap in the students? learning.
So, if there is a portion of Pathways that you do not use, be sure to
supplement other materials in its place.
Can I use a different spelling series?
One of the strengths of Pathways is having everything available for
all language arts instruction in one package. A different spelling series may be used if the
objectives match the scope and sequence of Pathways.
Can I still use Reason for Writing as my handwriting curriculum?
Again, one of the strengths of Pathways is having everything
available for all language arts instruction in one package. Carefully consider using
the Pathways handwriting for your own ease of planning.
Does Daily Oral Language (DOL) cover all the grammar that my students
need?
DOL was designed to meet all the objectives in the Pathways Scope and Sequence.
While teaching the DOL, take every opportunity to teach any and all grammar that may apply to
the sentence of that day. Grammar is also taught through writing workshop and some theme book
activities. If all this is done, no additional grammar instruction is necessary.
Can I use another title for the theme
book?
The DLG is written specifically for the chosen theme book. It would be easiest to use the chosen
title. Also keep in mind that the theme books have been carefully chosen to meet specific
criteria for Seventh-day Adventist schools. However, once you are familiar with
the Pathways strategies they can be used with any book.
Can I teach the themes in a different order?
In first and second grade, the themes need to be taught in order because the skills are closely
tied to the theme book activities. In third grade and up the order of the themes may be changed.
If the theme books are not taught in order, be sure to follow the proper sequence for word
study, spelling, and handwriting.
Do I need a theme book for each student in the class?
It is recommended that a copy of the theme book be purchased for each student. First grade is
the only grade that individual student copies may not be necessary. However, we want students to
learn to love books, have books in their own hands, and interact with the books. Therefore, even
first graders will benefit by having their own copy.
Is the theme book the reading book? The theme book is used for teaching various reading skills and strategies. It is not a reading book such as a traditional basal reader. Students may participate in theme book activities with or without support regardless of their reading level. Specific instruction for decoding and fluency needs to be taught separately with additional materials for guided reading. If the theme book matches a student?s instructional level, it may be used for guided reading.
Where do I find a list of skills that need to be taught in each grade?
The Pathways Scope and Sequence is located in the back of the Teacher's
Manual. It outlines the target skills that are to be taught at each grade level. In addition to
the scope and sequence, target skills taught in each theme study are noted in the Daily Lesson
Guides.
How do I make grades for the report card?
Rubrics can be used to assign point values for most activities. The points can then be converted
to a letter grade if necessary. Checklists are a valuable way to track students' progress also.
Additional information for reporting grades will be provided by the reading steering committee.
Please continue to check this website and with your local conference office of education
regarding grades.