Overview of the Program
A Flexible Approach
Carousel of IDEAS can be used in a pull-out program, in an immersion class, or for general English language development instruction. The program integrates content found in K–5 academic standards, and it can be used in a single-grade or multi-grade class. There are a variety of activities, teaching tools, and strategies that will allow you to provide differentiated instruction and address a wide range of learning styles and student abilities. For example, Carousel includes chants and songs, charts and graphic organizers, cooperative learning opportunities, and kinesthetic activities. Carousel relies heavily on the use of visuals and realia to reinforce student understanding of new vocabulary and concepts.
Developing and Reinforcing Skills
All the lessons in the Carousel program emphasize the four steps in skill development: 1) model behavior or demonstrate skill; 2) provide for guided practice; 3) provide for independent practice; and 4) provide for delayed practice. The program includes a tremendous variety of activities for you to build and reinforce skills. The Teacher’s Guide shows you how to model the target words and language forms. Lessons then provide for students to comprehend, say, read, and write the target words and forms to ensure a mastery of vocabulary and grammatical concepts. There are also many opportunities for repeated and monitored oral reading. To ensure ongoing practice for students, the program consistently returns to earlier learning. Language is recycled from chapter to chapter and unit to unit. In addition, the program provides a focus on academic language. Academic skills—such as dictionary use and critical thinking—are integrated into the program as well. The kinds of activities that are used in the Carousel program help students build skills that will ensure their success in mainstream classrooms.
  
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