Unless you’re an elementary teacher, balanced literacy instruction may be a new concept to you. What is it, anyway? What happened to phonics? What about whole language? Which is better? Why does the pendulum continue to swing from one method to another? And why can Johnny still not read? Welcome to the reading war. These questions have been the heart of heated controversy for … [Read more...]
Shared Reading – A Critical Component of Balanced Literacy Instruction
In kindergarten and first grade, shared reading is the anchor of a Balanced Literacy program. But what exactly is it? What does shared reading look like? Here’s an illustration… In Ms. Avery’s classroom, kindergarten students are sitting on a colorful rug waiting for the “show” to begin. It’s shared reading time, one of their favorite times of the day. Ms. Avery is … [Read more...]
