Drawn into the Heart of Reading

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No, there is only one Teacher’s Guide that contains all of the instruction for levels 2-8.

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Over two-thirds of the program is contained in the Teacher’s Guide. If you only use the Student Books, the program loses the dialogue that is such an important part of literature study.

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No, the Student Books are not reproducible.

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Writing assignments are included, but the writing process is not taught.

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No, since students often read and spell at different levels, spelling was purposefully omitted from this program.

• Genre Studies (i.e. Biography, Adventure, Mystery, etc.)
• Story Elements (i.e. character, setting, plot, mood, etc.)
• Godly Character Traits (i.e. integrity, faith, loyalty, etc.)
• Vocabulary Strategies (applied to the book being read)
• Literature Discussion Questions
• Project Work

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The Godly character traits teach students to weigh book characters and issues raised in the book using the Bible as a standard.

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These books are used for 1 of the 3 project options at the end of each unit. If you have an artistic or creative student, the book is well worth the price. Each Book Projects to Send Home is reproducible for family use.

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Your student needs to have completed phonics instruction and be able to read beginning chapter books.

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This program allows you to choose books that will challenge and interest your child. It teaches story elements which help students analyze literature, providing a base for future literature study. Students also learn to weigh the actions and attitudes of book characters and themselves in light of the Bible.

• Level 2/3 is for students who have completed phonics, are newly independent readers, and are new to formal literature study. Students at this level meet with you daily. Approximately 1/2 of the days require written work.
• Level 4/5 is for students who can read silently, comprehend what they read, and are mid-level independent readers. Students at this level must also be able to work independently half of the time and complete one student book page perday.
• Level 6/7/8 is for students who comprehend well, have experience with formal literature study, and are proficient readers. Students at this level must be able to work independently and follow written directions for daily work. They briefly meet with you 2-3 times each week for discussions and activities.

Note: If in doubt about a level, it is best to choose a lower level for a year, and then move up as your child is ready. The levels do not necessarily correspond to grade levels. For example, we have high school students that use Level 6/7/8 as an introduction to literature course.

• Level 2/3 takes about 15-20 min. per day
• Level 4/5 takes about 20 min. on alternating days
• Level 6/7/8 takes about 20 min. 2-3 times per week

Note: Students have independent work daily in addition to the times listed above.

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On each teaching day, there is an independent option for emergencies. It is noted with a clock in the Teacher’s Guide and directions are given in the Appendix of each “Student Book”.

• Go through the program in one year, covering all 9 units in any order.
• Spread the program out over 2 years, covering 1/2 of the units one year and 1/2 of the units the next year in any order.
• Teach Drawn into the Heart of Reading 3 or 4 days a week instead of daily, stretching each level out over 2 years.
• Use the units sporadically as they match other things you may be teaching.
• Teach a reading unit one month and then follow that with a month of free reading books from the same genre. Then, teach a new unit the next month.

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There is a sample book list available for purchase on our site with ideas for each reading unit. This “Sample Book Ideas List” is divided by genre and level and is included as part of each Drawn into the Heart of Reading guide package.

Due to popular request, we have also put together book packs that work with each level in our program. Our hand-picked books provide a selection of excellent literature for every level. These books cover all nine genres, include time-tested gems, and fit seamlessly into the Drawn into the Heart of Reading plans.

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To categorize your own books, refer to the Appendix of the Teacher’s Guide for a list of categories and definitions of literature. To use books already categorized for you, refer to our “Sample Book Ideas List” or choose one of our captivating book packs.