Balanced Reading
in a Literacy Rich Environment
Method
Environment
Read Aloud
Shared Reading
Guided Reading
Independent Reading
Plenty of light
Inviting space for reading
Text rich
community print
fiction
nonfiction
graphic novels
posters
levelled reading materials
Listening centre
environmental print
Charts that support literacy
Functional print
Co-created text
Displays of student work
Word wall
Classroom libraries
Promotes independence
accessible materials
organized
Layout
Teacher chosen text
High interest
Above ss reading level
Builds
Comprehension
Thinking
Listening
How does a proficient reader look/sound/think?
Variety of genres, purposes
Activate prior knowledge
Externalize thinking process
Practice new skills with support
Big books
Illustrating posters
All can see and read print
Teacher reads mostly, ss read chorally
Teacher models application of target literacy skill
Predictions about text
Classroom management
purposeful literacy activities
centres
reading
listening
writing
word work
Before reading
Activate knowledge about text
Picture walk
Predictions
Engage cueing systems
During reading
Ss read aloud
Teacher records reading behaviours
After reading
Assess comprehension
How did students construct meaning
Assess for grouping
Be flexible about grouping
Have learning goals
for each group
minimal support
review strategies
mini-lesson on decoding/comprehension
meet with ss 1:1
ss read:
solo
in pairs
reader's theatre
literature circles
practice + consolidate knowledge
book talks, help choose "just right" books
discuss reading
ss record growth as readers