Effective Components of Balanced Literacy Instruction

Modeled Reading
and Writing

Shared Reading
and Writing

Guided Reading
and Writing

Independent Reading and Writing
  • Teacher demonstrates proficient reading/writing
  • Teacher expands access to more complex text beyond ability of student
  • Teacher exposes student to a variety of genres
  • Teacher guides collaborative, interactive discussion and processing of text
  • Teacher demonstrates the use of reading/writing strategies and skills
  • Teacher instructs reading/writing strategies and skills
  • Teacher extends understanding of the reading/writing process
  • Teacher and student share reading/writing, encouraging student to read parts of text with support
  • Teacher reinforces skills and strategies
  • Teacher engages student in questioning and discussion
  • Teacher acts as a guide while student reads/writes at his/her instructional level
  • Teacher acts as a guide while student applies strategies and skills in reading/writing to build independence
  • Student selects the text to read
  • Student practices reading/writing at his/her independent level
  • Student applies skills and strategies while reading/writing independently
  • Teacher provides ample time for student to read/write, demonstrating the value of reading/writing

Literature, which includes literary and informational texts that integrate the content areas, is the constant of a balanced literacy approach. Reading and writing are not compartmentalized, but, rather integrated, with speaking and listening, to support student learning.

A balanced literacy approach focuses on two essential areas: reading and writing. This approach engages children in a variety of authentic reading and writing experiences. It benefits students in many ways: students develop a broad range of reading and writing abilities; both focused instruction and independent work are valued so there is a better chance to meet the needs of a diverse group of students; students learn basic information and skills, but they also develop strategies that will help them apply their knowledge in a variety of reading and writing contexts; and there is an emphasis on comprehension, which is the goal of all reading (Pinnell, 2000).

Alignment Of Curriculum Components In A Balanced Literacy Instructional Model

Each of the seven curriculum components include behaviors and understandings throughout grades PreK-8 for teachers to notice, instruct, and support the language and literacy learning of students. The balanced literacy model provides the instructional framework for which each of these curriculum components can be delivered in a variety of whole-class, small-group and individual settings. Differences exist in the classroom management of reading and writing instruction from grade to grade, and from classroom to classroom, based on the student needs.

TEACHER DOES
Teacher Reads and Writes “TO” Students

TEACHER AND STUDENTS DO Teacher Reads and Writes “WITH” Students

TEACHER AND STUDENTS DO Teacher Reads and Writes “WITH” Students

STUDENTS DO
Reading and Writing “BY” Students (including with peers)

MODELED READING & WRITING

SHARED READING & WRITING

GUIDED READING & WRITING

INDEPENDENT READING & WRITING
  • Interactive Read Aloud and Literature Discussion
  • Phonics, Spelling, and Word Study
  • Writing About Reading
  • Writing Craft, Conventions, and Process
  • Oral and Visual Communication
  • Technological Communication
  • Shared and Performance Reading
  • Phonics, Spelling, and Word Study
  • Writing About Reading
  • Writing Craft, Conventions, and Process
  • Oral and Visual Communication
  • Technological Communication
  • Guided Reading
  • Phonics, Spelling, and Word Study
  • Writing About Reading
  • Writing Craft, Conventions, and Process
  • Oral and Visual Communication
  • Technological Communication
  • Performance Reading
  • Literature Discussion
  • Phonics, Spelling, and Word Study
  • Writing About Reading
  • Writing Craft, Conventions, and Process
  • Oral and Visual Communication
  • Technological Communication