Balanced Literacy is centered on the idea that kindergarteners need to engage in a variety of reading and writing activities. In our class we do shared, guided, interactive, and independent reading and writing. In Mrs. Rose's class balanced literacy consists of The Daily 5, Guided Reading, Writer's Workshop, Reader's Workshop, Read Alouds, and Word Study.
The Daily 5 is an awesome way to organize literacy instruction. The format is described at length in the book The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. Each day students will make choices on which activities they want to engage.
During the session students work independently on their chosen activities and the teacher meets with reading groups for guided reading. Guided reading provides a conference time in which the teacher can emphasize reading strategies, sight words, concepts of print, and reading comprehension. The reading groups are fluid and change with individual students strengths and needs.
Writer’s Workshop is when students become authors! Kindergarteners love writing and keep monthly journals.
Word Study is a program that provides students with the essential knowledge and skills on spelling patterns in the English language. The lessons for word study came from a graduate class taught at the University of Virginia. Word study will begin in October.
Reader’s Workshop helps students develop meaningful reading comprehension. The Reader’s Workshop lessons are developed from the book Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller and by the program Making Meaning.
Read Alouds are one of my favorite parts of the day. I read my kindergarteners a variety of books including chapter books such as My Father’s Dragon, Because of Winn Dixie and Mr. Popper’s Penquins.
