Balanced Literacy Program

A. Guided Reading B. Independent Reading C.Shared Reading D. Word Study E. Read Aloud

Guided reading is one component of a balanced literacy program that allows teachers to meet the needs of all students regardless of their level of proficiency so they become stronger, more confident readers. Through this strategy, students are met right where they are in ability. Because theyre with students who are on their level, theyre much less likely to feel anxious or embarrassed about how they measure up to the skills of other students. With guided reading, instruction can be streamlined to meet the individual needs of each student within a group.

Guided Reading

Independent reading is the end result of a well-executed balanced literacy program. It allows students the chance to practice the strategies theyve learned through guided reading, shared reading, and teacher read alouds. With level appropriate materials, students now have the skills they need to read on their own. That means they can read confidently and are actually excited about their ability to read. When students have a voice in the reading process, theyre learning to contribute to their own knowledge. When they can select the books they wish to read, they have greater control over what they want to learn. Students are much more likely to view reading as a priority when they have some ownership in the reading process.

Independent Reading

Shared reading provides rich opportunities for students to discover the pleasures of reading. Because students gather around the teacher in groups, a sense of community is established and students feel encouraged and confident to read along in an enthusiastic environment. Also, young readers are introduced to different genres and authors. A variety of reading strategies are demonstrated during shared reading, dependent upon what is appropriate for the context of the story and the genre. Shared reading can take on a playful or structured approach to learning to read.

Shared Reading

In order to become fully literate, students must have the ability to accurately recognize words. They also have to adequately use written words to convey meaning. Because word study is based on phonics spelling and vocabulary, its a way for students to manipulate and fully examine words. Students need the opportunity to think critically and manipulate words and their concepts. That way they can generalize words based on spelling or other commonalities. Grasping spelling, word recognition, and vocabulary goes beyond memorizing a few rules. The best way to become proficient in words and their features is to have plenty of opportunities to examine them in different contexts.

Word Study

During a read aloud the teacher doesnt simply read students a book or story and call it a day. It involves much more than that. Teachers verbally interact with the class throughout the process. This process includes pre-reading, during reading, and post-reading activities to ensure they understand and make connections with the story. The read loud selection can be a variety of genres fiction, nonfiction, a simple picture book, or poetry. Though a read-aloud seems pretty straight forward, there are actually a lot activities going on for the teacher. These include Previewing the selections and choosing those that allow students to make predictions and relate to prior knowledge Emphasizing story elements Guiding students with questions And closing the selection with oral or written responses to what they heard.

Read Aloud