Balanced Literacy

If you're using a Balanced Literacy approach in your classroom, you'll find these materials to be helpful. The top part of the page provides a lot of information about how to use the balanced literacy framework including a written descriptions of the components.

If you only have 60 minutes and you want to use a balanced literacy approach, you can experiment with alternating whole group instruction with small groups and centers. For example, teach a whole group lesson on Mondays and Fridays and do small groups and centers on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Use one of the two planning pages located at the bottom of this page to help you organize instruction. Use a Rotation Schedule Chart each day to post information about who will be going to what activity during each rotation.

By using the Rotation Schedule I can ensure that only 1/3 of the class is involved in centers at a time. One third are with me and the other group is doing SSR or a Listening Center.

Post a chart in the room that clearly states what each group is supposed to be doing during each part of the small group instruction block (see example). I have found it helpful to rotate students through 3 basic activities: Guided Reading with me, Self-selected Reading or Listening Centers, and Literacy Menu work. The most active part of the block is when students are working on their Literacy Menus because the choices include games and partner activities. By using the Rotation Schedule I can ensure that only 1/3 of the class is involved in centers at a time.

Materials: Stopwatch or timer, Reading selection, Oral Fluency Chart,and Fluency Rate Graph

Graphing Oral Fluency is an activity I created for my 5th grade students and I later compiled it into a free packet to share with other teachers. It consists of student directions, an oral fluency chart, and a fluency rate line graph. The activity can be completed in a literacy center by students working in pairs or by an adult working with a student. Directions are included in the packet. In addition, you’ll need leveled reading selections and a timer. Store the materials in a bag or container and place one of the labels on the packet for easy reference. Click the image below to download a free copy of this packet.

This is another spelling game that uses spelling cards. The beauty of these games is that you can laminate an envelope with the directions on the front, and all you have to do is create new spelling cards each week. You can even assign that job to a student! For Spin N Spell you will have to print out the gameboard and include a paper clip to use as a spinner (or you can add a commercial spinner if you have one). Students have to spin the pointer, then do one of the 4 tasks. The tasks are to define the word, spell it aloud, write it down, or use it in a sentence. They earn points if they perform the task correctly.

Print out the directions and prepare a set of spelling cards using index cards or the template provided. Students will need white boards and dry erase markers for this activity. Model with whole group or in small groups before using as a center.

Designed for two players using a list of spelling and vocabulary words provided by the teacher. The game is played according to these directions using the Mad Scientist gameboard shown here.

Partner activity for reviewing spellings of Word Wall words. Student directions are on the gameboard. Duplicate on cardstock, laminate and students can use dry erase markers on the board.

This activity is a fun way for students to practice identifying genres. You'll need to print out the 7-page file and glue the directions and pages 3 - 5 onto sheets of construction paper. Laminate them, and make copies of page 2. Students will place the steps of the genre walk in order on the floor. They read a short book with a partner (leveled readers work great) and then follow the steps of the Genre Walk, discussing each question as they go.

Print out the blank foldable and duplicate for all students. Students fold the page in half hot-dog style and then cut 5 "flaps" by snipping the 4 dotted lines. They should orient the folded page vertically and write each vocabulary word in the top half of one flap. They open the flap and write the definition of the word under it. Finally, on the front of the flap below the word, they draw a picture or symbol that will help them remember the word. This format allows them to study their words by opening and closing the flaps. Download the directions below for complete instructions and a sample.