Balanced Literacy Essay

The Balanced Literacy instructional approach can be defined as “a literacy program that includes the strongest elements of both whole language and phonics” (Smith). Balanced Literacy is a program that uses combined strategies to provide an optimal learning experience for children. The program involves “teaching by reading to the students, having students read independently, and reading with students” (Smith). Balanced Literacy is made up of five components: the read aloud, guided reading, shared reading, independent reading, and word study. The components of Balanced Literacy can be implemented in the classroom, by teacher and student-initiated activities, each day. According to Spiegel, “teachers using the Balanced Literacy approach must make a thoughtful choice each day about the activities used to help each child become a better reader and writer”
According to Supan, “If students are not reading on grade level based upon their cold-read assessment, teachers are able to pin point the areas of weakness and develop an individualized plan for guided reading instruction” (Supan, 2012). In Balanced Literacy “students can be assessed on their own independent level which can help students build confidence in their own growth as a reader” (Supan, 2012). Balanced Literacy incorporates both whole language and phonics into a “literacy program that aims to guide students towards proficient and lifelong reading” (Smith). Lucy Calkins, an advocate for Balanced Literacy believes that the approach is very effective. “Balanced Literacy can be used in language arts, social studies, science, and math” (Calkins, 2014). Balanced Literacy is beneficial to reading instruction. It has a goal “for students to become competent readers and writers” (Goltche). Teachers using the Balanced Literacy approach should expect to see growth in their students’ academic