Components of Balanced Literacy:

WORD STUDY

• Houghton- Mifflin Word Sorts

·         Guided Reading

o   Reading many texts and a variety of text

o   Opportunity to use and extend strategies

o   Teacher selection of text fit independent reading levels

o   Guidance, and demonstration,  and explanation available in small group setting

·         Community/Teacher Read Aloud

o   Read aloud by adult

o   Provides examples of fluent reading

o   Assists in developing a community of readers

o   Students reading for enjoyment and fun!

o   Assists in making complex ideas accessible to all students

·         Shared Reading

o   ALL READ THE SAME TEXT

o   Teacher models and interacts with text demonstrating and practicing strategies in whole group setting

o   Increase vocabulary

o   Support for the group

o   Gives students an opportunity to participate and behave like readers

o   Creates a text children can use as an independent resource

·         Word Study/ Phonics

o   Opportunity to manipulate and understand how words work

o   Use what students know about words to assist in solving new words

o   Students use visual aspects of print

·         Independent Reading:

o   Self-selected

o   Apply reading strategies independently

o   Builds confidence

o   Allows students to experience and choose a variety of texts

o   Build Stamina

·         Writing:

o    Taught through whole and small group, and conferencing individually

o   Taught through mini-lessons

o   Fosters creativity

o   Assists in developing an author’s voice

Number the Stars