Balanced Literacy
Balanced Literacy is designed to help students learn to read and write effectively. The program contains all of the components necessary for students to master written and oral communication. The ultimate goal of balanced literacy is for each student to successfully read and write independently. While teaching balanced literacy it is important to remember the Gradual Release Model. This model is designed to allow students to master the reading process in the most effective way. The three step process, “I, We, You”, begins with heavy guidance and modeling from the teacher “I”, then branches to students and teacher working together to learn how to apply the skill “We”, and resulting in students reaching the point of independent practice “You”.