I’d like opinions from anyone using McGraw Hill books in their schools.
From Kindergarten and up.
It looks pretty good online, but what is the reality?
Bassman,
I use the MH books for science, level 1 &2, social studies, levels 1-3, and have used math, level 2. All used in the immersion program, kids who study 4 days a week, all afternnon. I find them to be very useful for kids who already are beyond the pre-reading phase.
I have some of the Houghton Mifflin early texts books in our library. The reading levels are low, yet the Q&A are not so low. The books are not made for ESL/EFL learners
Example: Spring is here! It can get wet in the spring. I will not get wet.
but the Q&A: How do animals get ready for the different seasons?
I prefer getting the kids up to reading speed FIRST before introducing these “real” books. We use other books to build reading skills and vocabulary. Once they are good “enough” we can swicth to the MH books.
[quote=“jdsmith”]
Example: Spring is here! It can get wet in the spring. I will not get wet.
but the Q&A: How do animals get ready for the different seasons?
I prefer getting the kids up to reading speed FIRST before introducing these “real” books. We use other books to build reading skills and vocabulary. Once they are good “enough” we can swicth to the MH books.[/quote]
Is this a quote from a HM or a MH book?
For arguments sake, let’s say the kids have laid a decent foundation in kindergarten grade 2 and then move on to the MH books for grade 3. I know both HM and MH have books for kindergarten level. If the materials were used as part of an all day program, do you think that the children would stand a chance of understanding the material? Bear in mind, I am looking to hire qualified teachers to do this.
There is no way that I would consider the elementary school books for any kid that is fresh off the street. That would be a nightmare.
quote was from HM.
you might better start them at level two MH science or Social studies. There are so many things to discuss in each unit, a good teacher would have a ball.
BTW I may just have found two good FT.
Still looking for that elusive third superteacher/manager. 
I used the MH series for elementary students, aged 7-13, and they were fine, I suppose. But the references are for American culture and can get a tad confusing at times for the kids.
In general, I liked using the books. Never a lack of material, and the whole set (grammar, practice, workbooks, phonics) are easy to work with.
But be warned there are absolutely no translations, which can be a good thing I suppose. Once you get used to working with them, it’s really a breeze for the teachers.