Classroom Strategies for Balanced LiteracyReadingWritingRead AloudsThe teacher reads aloud to the whole class or small groups. Texts are selected for building a love of reading and/or to model reading strategies or genre features. Additionally, books are read aloud to build students background knowledge for content area themes of study.Modeled WritingThe teacher writes a piece to the whole class or small groups. This allows students to see and experience the thinking that goes into producing great writing. Interactive ReadingThe teacher reads aloud and asks for input, predictions, and connectionsbefore, during and after the reading. The text is often at a higher level and filled with rich language. Interactive WritingThe teacher and children compose messages and stories together. The teacher acts as scribe and models great writing strategies. Shared ReadingUsing an enlarged text or individual student copies, the teacher involves children in reading together. The process often includes reading big books, poems, songs, and student writing. Shared WritingThe teacher and children compose messages and stories together. Stories are written using a shared pen technique that involves children in the writing. Guided ReadingThe teacher works with small groups according to reading level, an identified need or interest,or specific reading strategy focus. The teacher selects and introduces new books and supports children reading the whole text to themselves. Guided/Focused WritingChildren engage in writing a variety of texts. The teacher guides the process and provides instruction through mini-lessons and conferences. Independent ReadingChildren read on their own or with partners from a wide range of materials, including a special collection at their reading level. Independent WritingChildren write their own pieces. These include personal narratives, letters, and a variety of student-selected genres. Word Study- Phonics, Spelling, Grammar, & VocabularyTeachers and students have opportunities to notice and use letters and words in literacy rich classrooms. Activities are integrated in the reading and writing program.