Teaching Balanced Literacy

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Balanced Literacy is a framework designed to help all students learn to read and write effectively. The program stands firmly on the premise that all students can learn to read and write. This balance between reading and writing allows students to receive the teaching needed in order to reach grade level status, while allowing students to work at a level that is not frustrating for them. One significant feature in Balanced Literacy is an Interactive Read Aloud. Reading aloud can be done with any grade level. When students within one classroom are reading on different levels, reading aloud a common book can help to create a classroom community with shared experiences. When the teacher introduces a book to her class she can ask the children to make a prediction about the story. This can be done by looking at the picture that are on the cover of the book or even just reading the title to the children, and asking them what they think the book is about. During the story the teacher can stop and have the children make text to self connections, also the teacher can stop at purposeful moments to emphasize story elements, asking guiding questions or focus questions. All of these techniques will help keep the children engaged in the reading and also it will allow the teacher to see which students have a good understanding and which students may need a little more help or practice. Another significant part of the Balanced Literacy program is the Writer’s Workshop. The Writer's Workshop is a teaching technique that invites students to write by making the process a meaningful part of the classroom curriculum. Writing is an expected activity on a daily basis. Students are exposed to the organization and thought required to create a story or write about a favorite topic. The main components of the Writer's Workshop include a Mini-lesson, Status of the class, Writing

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