balanced literacy centered program

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : July : 17

balanced literacy centered program
By Carolyn

I am a full-time fifth grade teacher. If I were asked that question, I would be inclined to answer that I balance literacy by including four blocks of literacy instruction: guided reading, self-selected reading, working
with words, and writing. Guided reading is the process of teaching whole class reading, and this includes skills for learning to read--comprehension, decoding, etc. In self-selected reading, I start out the block by having a "book talk" about a book or have a student do the same. Then I have the students read silently for the remainder of the block with their own interest/level books.

In working with words, I have the students practice word patterns with plastic letters, play word games, and help children practice frequently misspelled words, etc. In the writing block, the children learn writing skills--especially the writing process.

To complete the balanced literacy program, I teach reading skills in social studies and science. I integrate my entire curriculum so that literacy is emphasized.

Please don't hesitate to write if you have any more questions. I am sure that the others will have their versions of this description, also.