The Balanced Literacy Approach

As we draw closer and closer to Teacher Practice, I can feel myself getting more and more anxious. These frequent ‘anxiety attacks’ is as a result of feeling like I don’t know how to plan a proper Language Arts lesson and execute it. 

(Slide Team, 2020)

         The session which decreased my anxiety levels was when Mrs. Marilyn Munroe-Francis came and taught us ‘The Balanced Literacy Approach.’ I usually hear my colleagues speaking about a Language block. When I asked about it I felt the once assembled papers in my brain, scatter all over the place. After being taught how to write a lesson for Language Arts in previous courses, I thought the lessons had to have introductory, developmental, and culminating activities, whether it be a part of the Language Arts components: Spelling, Grammar, Composition, Word study, etc. Hence, I would have written lessons with every component, including an introduction, developmental and culminating activities without knowing how to format the activities while still using the modes of Language Arts. Now I know what approach I should use to come up with activities. This approach is the Balanced Literacy Approach. This approach comprises of seven (7) different components (daily). These components include a Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Word Study, Independent Reading, Guided Reading, Shared Writing, and Independent Writing. All of these components are a part of the introductory, developmental, and culminating activities.

As a result of learning the components of the Balanced Literacy Approach, this anxiety is slowly changing into excitement.  Though I don’t feel comfortable creating a lesson plan much less teach one, I plan to do certain things to assist myself. In order to feel more equipped, I will research more on the ‘Balanced Literacy Approach’, seek help from my colleagues, and write more lesson plans using the approach. While beginning my search, I came across a video on YouTube. This video can be used to further aid your understanding of the ‘Balanced Literacy Approach.’

 (Youtube, 2020)

 

 

References

·         Slide Team. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.slideteam.net/3d-man-confused-with-question-marks-ppt-graphics-icons-powerpoint.html

·         Youtube. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibAYZRv2oLM