Components of a Balanced Literacy Block K-2
Literacy can and should be integrated into all subject areas – it doesn’t have to be restricted to a few hours in the morning!
Here are the components of a balanced block:
- Shared Reading
- Guided Reading
- Readaloud
- Reading Workshop Minilesson
- Independent Reading
- Writing Workshop Minilesson
- Independent Writing
- Word Study
Possible Schedule for ELA block
(This is a flexible, working document)
2 -1/2 hours
Whole Group Instruction: Journeys
(I do, we do)
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Using the CCSS and Journeys materials cover foundational skills, decoding, word study, comprehension, vocabulary, genres, text structures, read aloud, writing about reading (integrate writing when possible), etc
**2 selections/week need to be read and the “close reading” activities of digging deeper demand that both selections are read.
Integrate science/ social studies-several selections are connected to science and social studies standards. |
Small group instruction/ Independent reading
(ARC/Journeys materials) (we do, you do)
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Teacher meets with groups daily on word study (phonemic awareness, phonics, patterns and vocabulary), comprehension, fluency, and individual ARC conferencing. As you confer with students (small group/individual) the class should be;
In literacy centers including reading, writing, words study, vocabulary, fluency, research, etc. that review skills. You may choose to use the centers provided by Journeys, your own, or both.
Reading ARC steps if you do not have a separate time scheduled for ARC
*BSI rooms forgo a center to meet twice for LLI in addition to regular instruction. Students receive 2 ARC steps for LLI
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Centers/Word Study Groups |
Skills introduction done in whole group or you can keep it separate if you are differentiating-depending on your class |
Writers Workshop/Grammar (45-1 hour) (ZB/Journeys) |
10-20 min: Introduce writing genre, read mentor text, mini-lessons 15-30 minute independent writing with conferring 5 minute closure/share (important component)
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