Balanced Literacy
What is balanced literacy?
Balanced literacy is a school-wide approach to literacy instruction. It is a comprehensive model designed to advance the achievement of each child in reading, writing, and word study. Our collaborative efforts will help develop lifelong readers, writers, and learners.
What will my child’s literacy learning look like?
Children engage in authentic and meaningful literacy activities while participating in whole class, small group, and individual learning experiences. Classroom centers are used to provide additional learning opportunities.
Reading experiences include read alouds, shared reading, guided reading, and independent reading. Writing experiences include shared writing, interactive writing, writing workshop, and independent writing. Additionally, Fundations, a research-based reading, spelling, and handwriting program supports critical foundational skills, emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics/ word study, high frequency word study, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension strategies, handwriting, and spelling.
What can I do to support my child’s literacy learning?
Classroom instruction is differentiated to meet the needs of all students. An expansive book room allows teachers to select materials toward this goal.
We offer a variety of programs which provide additional support.
- Read aloud to your child on a regular and consistent basis.
- Share stories and experiences with your child.
- Encourage your child to express himself/herself as a writer.
- Attend literacy workshops, offered at WDPS, to strengthen the home-school connection.
- Participate and get involved with your child's school experiences.