Balanced Literacy Approach utilizing whole group instruction, small group instruction, guided reading and conferring

Instructional contexts include

• Interactive Read Aloud – All grades
• Reading Workshop - Reading mini-lessons, Independent and Partner Reading using differentiated authentic texts to employee the strategies introduced through mini-lessons – All grades
• Writing mini-lessons, independent and partner writing practice using mentor texts and writing strategies that allow students to generate ideas and produce high-quality writing on self-selected topics that have real audiences – All grades
• Phonics Workshop - Phonics mini-lessons with a specific focus on targeted transferrable practice to reading and writing – Grades K-2
• Shared Reading – Opportunities for students to practice fluent reading using successive readings of on-grade level text supported by the teacher – Grades K-2
• Word Work – Morphology studies – Grades 3-5

Focuses on:

• Differentiation to meet the needs of all students through administration and analysis of Reading Records (Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System)
• High-Volume, High Interest Reading of Authentic Text - Upwards of 30+ minutes per day
• Building Knowledge base through authentic nonfiction text
• Teaching Comprehension skills and strategies to support reading achievement and foster a life-long love of reading
• Value of modeling through Interactive read aloud
• Incorporating instruction on foundational skills/phonics within Balanced Literacy supported by Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Continuum
• Supporting students to see themselves as writers by teaching strategies for generating ideas, using mentor texts and writing for real audiences

Reading Workshop Curriculum

Reading Units of Study – Evidence-based curriculum created through action-research conducted by Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University

Phonics Workshop Curriculum

Phonics Units of Study – Research-based curriculum created through action-research conducted by Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University

Writing Workshop Curriculum

Writing Units of Study – Evidence-based curriculum created through action-research conducted by Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University

Social Studies Curriculum

Use of Primary Source documents to analyze multiple perspectives

Children’s literature to connect to concepts prevalent in the grade level standards

Use of non-fiction text to integrate the use of reading strategies to extrapolate relevant information related to Social Studies content

Studies Weekly Newsprint and Online Resources

Brain Pop and NewsELA