READING THE “JOURNEYS WAY” A Balanced Literacy Program Leeds Avenue School October 5, 2010 C. Reynolds, Presenter

Components of a Balanced Reading Program Reading Aloud (daily) Shared Reading (Anthology) Guided Reading (leveled readers) Independent Reading Language opportunities to respond critically and thoughtfully

Components of a Balanced Writing Program Writing aloud Shared writing Guided writing Independent writing Language opportunity to respond critically and thoughtfully

Reading Aloud Used to promote: Story enjoyment Literature appreciation Vocabulary development Student writing (allows children to explore what authors do in the writing process)

Shared Reading (the Anthology) Emphasis on student enjoyment and participation with no pressure to “perform”. Text is read and re-read for enjoyment. After 2 nd or 3 rd reading some teaching strategies can be used 1 or 2 teaching points (based on class needs) Encourage student language before –during and after reading Children respond to text

Responding to text Questions and activities should enhance readers enjoyment of the book/story. Bring reader back to the text for re-examination. Promote critical thinking. Allow readers to examine their own feelings. Children respond to the text in open-ended and personal ways. Vocabulary as it relates to the text and children’s lives is discussed in the context of the book. Relate book to children’s lives, other books, and other authors.

Guided Reading (small group) Teacher and a group of children talk and think their way through a book Teacher is aware of support and challenges offered by a book Oral reading NOT round robin

Independent Reading Opportunity for children to read self-selected Books.

Guide for Literature Extension Ask the question… What is the purpose in selecting this activity or strategy? How will this activity enhance the students’ appreciation and knowledge of the literature?

Activities Rewrite or retell the story as a play, short story, picture book, folktale or TV script. Write an introduction, different ending, or additional chapter. Design a bookmark, book jacket, or front and/or back cover. Make a poster that advertises the book, depicts favorite scenes or major setting of the book. Keep a diary from the point of view of one of the characters. Write a letter to the author or book character with questions or suggestions. Advertise the book through a commercial. Research information about the author.

Activities (cont’d) Dress up as a character and discuss/justify your behaviors and actions Illustrate the settings of the book as a travel brochure, photo album, or poster Illustrate the major happenings of the book in sequence. Include with each picture sentences that sum up the event. Make a class graph of favorite characters Create a picture map of the book Create a venn diagram that compares characters, books, versions of the same story, etc.