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