This document outlines a balanced literacy program for a 2nd grade classroom. It discusses the philosophy of reading instruction, what balanced literacy is, and the various literacy activities and assessments used in the classroom on a daily basis. These include reading and writing every day, literacy groups, focused instruction on specific reading skills, drop everything and read time, accelerated reader, draw and writes, journals, read alouds, and evaluations using rubrics, teacher observations, and state standards. Grouping strategies include cluster, ability, heterogeneous, and interest groups. The document provides suggestions for how parents can support literacy development at home.

1. Balanced LiteracyProgram 2nd gradeMs.JoyBostock

2. PHILOSOPHY OF READINGReading is an interactive process that connects an individual with a text. Every child should be given the opportunity to learn to read and write with developmentally appropriate instruction. A teacher must provide differentiated multisensory approaches as well as multiple strategies that children can use when learning to read. A focus on phonics, structure of language, phonemic awareness, comprehension, and fluency are necessary when teaching a child how to read.

3. WHAT IS BALANCED LITERACY?THE FRAMEWORK USED TO HELP EVERY CHILD LEARN TO READ AND WRITE EFFECTIVELYProvides all students with equal opportunities to learn

4. Multiple strategies are taught to students during the development of the reading and writing process

5. A variety of books are available within each classroom library

6. Reading instruction is taught in a variety of ways to help each child learn at their level and at their pace

7. Student motivation is a main focus

8. Multiple assessments and evaluations are implemented“Learners,” she said, “need to know what they are doing and why they are doing it. They need to have cognitive clarity.” Quoted by Patricia Cunningham (Mermelstein, 2006)

9. Literacy activities that we do daily in our classroom…READ EVERYDAY!WRITE EVERYDAY!Literacy GroupsFocus on the process of literacy and readingFocused Instruction Focus on 1-2 reading skills for 2 weeks, then a formal written assessment is givenDEAR timeDrop everything and read! Silent reading timeAccelerated ReaderLeveled readers students read and take computerized tests Draw and writesAllow students to take ownership of their writingJournalsStudents write about different topics in their individual journalsRead AloudsTeacher models fluency and think alouds

10. Amount of time spent teaching daily:

11. How do these activities foster literacy development?

12. Evaluations and assessments“Assessment is more than guessing the best answer to a simple question, and performance is complex and interactive. The student's response is important, but the process is also important.” (Graves, Juel, & Graves, 2007)Grades for both reading and writing will be determined based on rubrics used, teacher observation, and Indiana State Standards.

13. 6 1 Trait® Writing Scoring ContinuumIDEASORGANIZATIONVOICEWORD CHOICESENTENCE FLUENCYCONVENTIONSPRESENTATIONWOW!Exceeds expectations5 STRONG:shows control and skill in this trait;many strengths present4 EFFECTIVE:on balance, the strengths outweigh theweaknesses; a small amount of revisionis needed3 DEVELOPING:strengths and need for revision areabout equal; about half-way home2 EMERGING:need for revision outweighs strengths;isolated moments hint at what thewriter has in mind1 NOT YET:a bare beginning; writer not yetshowing any control

14. I've traveled the world twice over, Met the famous; saints and sinners, Poets and artists, kings and queens, Old stars and hopeful beginners, I've been where no-one's been before, Learned secrets from writers and cooks All with one library ticket To the wonderful world of books. ~ Anonymous ~

15. Effective grouping for student successCluster groupings within each grade levelBenefits all students, especially the high ability learners during language arts instructionAbility grouping within grade levelLiteracy groups are based on reading level and RIT scores from MAP testingHeterogeneous groups in the classroomLanguage arts centers have students of mixed abilities working together to complete activitiesInterest groupsFor specific projects, students will be placed with others who share similar interests