A Balanced Literacy Curriculum

In our four district elementary schools, we use the balanced literacy approach, a methodology that integrates a variety of literacy instructional practices. Gay Su Pinnell (2001), a well respected author for professional educators on the teaching of literacy, describes balanced literacy as:

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 help them apply their knowledge in a variety of reading and writing contexts; there is an emphasis on comprehension, which is the goal of all learning.

In a balanced literacy curriculum, reading and writing are not compartmentalized but rather combined to support student learning. Effective practices of a balanced literacy curriculum include explicit skill and strategy instruction woven through the reading and writing components and ongoing assessment and evaluation to monitor student progress and to inform planning and differentiated instruction through whole class, small group and individualized teaching.

The goal for all of our students is to develop the essential skills and habits of lifelong readers and writers.

Fountas, I., & Pinnell, G.S. (2001). Guiding Readers and Writers: Teaching Comprehension, Genre, and Content Literacy. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.