Balanced literacy is a theory of teaching reading and writing the English language that arose in the 1990s and has a variety of interpretations. For some, balanced literacy strikes a balance between whole language and phonics and puts an end to the so called "reading wars". Others say balanced literacy, in practice, usually means the whole language approach to reading.[1][2][3]
Some proponents of balanced literacy say it uses research-based elements of comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, phonemic awareness and phonics and includes instruction in a combination of the whole group, small group and 1:1 instruction in reading, writing, speaking and listening with the strongest research-based elements of each. They go on to say that the components of a balanced literacy approach include many different strategies applied during reading and writing workshops.[4]
On the other hand, critics say balanced literacy, like whole language, is a meaning-based approach that when implemented does not include the explicit teaching of sound-letter relationships as provided by systematic phonics.[5][6][7] Also, it is reasonably effective only for children to whom learning to read comes easily, which is less than half of students.[8]
- ^ Reading at the Speed of Sight: How we Read, why so many can't, and what can be done about it, 2017, pages 248, Mark Seidenberg ISBN 978-1-5416-1715-5
- ^ Castles, A.; Rastle, K.; Nation, K. (2018). "Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition From Novice to Expert, Anne Castles, Kathleen Rastle, Kate Nation, Conclusions, 2018-06-11". Psychological Science in the Public Interest. 19 (1): 5–51. doi:10.1177/1529100618772271. PMID 29890888. S2CID 48364148.
- ^ Barshay, Jill (March 30, 2020). "Four things you need to know about the new reading wars". The Hechinger Report.
- ^ Brotherton, S. & Williams, C. (2002). "Interactive Writing Instruction in a First Grade Title I Literacy Program". Journal of Reading Education. 27 (3): 8–19.
- ^ The Death and Life of the Great American School System, 2016, page 39, Diane Ravitch, ISBN 978-0-465-09799-9
- ^ Whole Language Lives On: The Illusion of "Balanced" Reading Instruction, 2008, Forward, Louisa Cook Moats, ISBN 978-1-4379-0236-5
- ^ "It's time to stop debating how to teach kids to read and follow the evidence". April 26, 2020.
- ^ Mervosh, Sarah (2022-12-25). "In Memphis, the Phonics Movement Comes to High School". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-28.