The classroom environment is designed to be literacy-rich, featuring materials such as big books, flexible seating, and various text pieces like calendars and magazines. Key components include word walls, displayed student work, and a classroom library.
Big books, flexible seating arrangements,
Vast assortment of text pieces, calenders,
menus, magazines, flyers
Various text pieces
Literacy rich environment
Word walls, labels around the room,
student work displayed, various text
pieces, classroom library, co-created
anchor charts, student talk time
Balanced Literacy Program
Guided Reading
45 mins
Students are able to apply knowledge
with some teacher support when needed
Teacher must ensure flexibility
when determining groupings- they
will change throughout the year
based on student abilities
Guided reading allows teachers to
gain assessment on how students
are able to apply skills and concepts
taught in whole group settings.
Guided reading is conducted in
small group settings rather than
whole group.
Shared Reading
15-20 mins
Use of big books is best for a shared
reading to ensure that all students can
see and participate
Teacher will use one text piece
to focus on for multiple days
in order to explicitly teach a
particular skill or topic.
As students re-read the
same text piece the gradual
release of responsibility becomes
less
Both teacher and students participate
Independent Reading
20 mins + talk time
Modelling various reading strategies and skills
prior to sending kids off individually is imprtant
for student success.
Ensure accountability systems to make sure students
are using independent reading time appropriately.
ie. reading logs, book talks etc.
Last stage in gradual release of responsibility.
Students have been taught the skills to
successfully read on their own or with a
partner
Read Aloud
10-15 mins
Highest level of teaching support
Can be used to teach new vocabulary
Great way to implement
cross curricular connections
for math, science, social studies,
music, etc.