Our balanced literacy program is designed to insure a rich literacy experience for all children.  Through a variety of reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing acitivities each day, children develop a knowledge and appreciation of the written and spoken word.  Some key components of our program are read alouds, shared reading, guided reading, readers' workshop, modeled writing, shared writing, interactive writing, writers' workshop and word study.
Read Alouds or Modeled Reading
        Model fluent reading
        Expand access to text beyond child's abilities
        Exposure to variety of genres

Shared Reading
        Convey "bedtime story" tone
        Teach strategies
        Model reading strategies
        Extend meaning
        Hold discussion

Guided Reading
        Practice strategies
        Reinforce skills
        Build independence
        Engage in questioning and discussion

Reader's Workshop or Independent Reading
        Teacher and children practice reading
        Child is responsible
        Ensure success
        Show that reading is valued

Modeled Writing
         Demonstrate act of writing
         Model convention of writing
         Support use of letter-sound relationships

Shared Writing
         Teacher and children compose jointly
         Teacher scribes
         Share topic

Interactive Writing or Guided Writing
         Teacher/child choose the topic
         Child scribes
         Teacher supports

Writers' Workshop or Independent Writing
         Child choice
         Demonstrate understanding of sounds/symbols
         Recording of ideas is permanent
         Practice writing process

Spelling and Word Study
        Developmental stages
        Visual memory
        Letter-sound relationships
     
Balanced Literacy