Here at Brush Creek Elementary, we are committed to a balanced literacy approach to reading and writing instruction.  Becoming literate (a reader and a writer) can best be compared to fitting together the pieces of a puzzle.  Over time, if children are provided with the right components or puzzle pieces they are able to grow into independent and successful readers and writers. 

A balanced literacy program provides each child with these key components.

In reading, these components include:

• Phonemic awareness
• Phonics
• Fluency
• Vocabulary
• Comprehension instruction

The teaching of these components varies from classroom to classroom, but certain elements are common to all, these include:

• Modeling
• Shared Reading
• Guided Reading
• Independent Reading

The components of our writing instruction include:

• Writing workshop
• Journal writing
• Direct writing instruction
• Writing across the curriculum
• Publishing student writing

The teaching of these components varies from classroom to classroom, but certain elements are common to all, these include:

• Modeling
• Shared writing
• Guided writing
• Independent writing

Programs used to help achieve balanced literacy:

• Rebecca Sitton Spelling   http://www.sittonspelling.com/philosophy/index.html

• Step Up to Writing   http://www.stepuptowriting.com/

• Write Source/Write Away   http://www.thewritesource.com/

• 6 Trait Materials   http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/about.php?odelay=1&d=1
• Strategies that work/Reading with Meaning   http://www.literacyconnections.com/0_1571103074.html
• Resource room materials

Parent help during our literacy block is encouraged and helps a teacher individualize instruction.