Shifting the Balance, Grades 3-5: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Upper Elementary Classroom

by Katie Cunningham, Jan Burkins, Kari Yates

In this much anticipated follow-up to their groundbreaking book, Shifting the 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom , authors Jan Burkins and Kari Yates, together with co-author Katie Cunningham, extend the conversation in Shifting the Balance, Grades 3-5: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Upper Elementary Classroom . This new text is built in mind specifically for grades 3-5 teachers around best practices for the intermediate classroom.

Shifting the Balance, Grades 3-5 introduces six more shifts across individual chapters The authors offer a refreshing approach that is respectful, accessible, and practical – grounded in an earnest commitment to building a bridge between research and classroom practice. As with the first Shifting the Balance , they aim to keep students at the forefront of reading instruction.

Genres: Education, Teaching, School, Professional Development, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2023

About the author

Katie Cunningham is a Python and Django developer for Speak Agent
by day, and a technical writer by night. While she had always had an interest in programming, it didn't turn
into a career until she started to work at NASA. There, she slowly
transitioned from gathering requirements to developing full time,
advocating the use of more open source in the government sector.

It was at NASA that she gained an interest in 508 compliance. At
first, she was only interested in getting her applications through QA
faster. Over time, however, she gained a passion for a web that was
easy for everyone to use. Now in the private sector, she is
championing compliance even for websites that don't require it by law.

She currently lives just outside of Washington, DC with her husband and
two children.

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a staff PD and really appreciated the non-judgmental, fresh-eyed approach to literacy instruction.

[Ann Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really practical and well-researched information. A great reminder for 3-5 teachers that reading instruction does not stop after second grade! Definitely one I’ll revisit!

[Samm Brazeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many fabulous ideas, and great to support my return to the junior classroom. I felt the misconceptions and then practises sections could have been combined to avoid repetition and make for more seamless flow.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read for anyone working in Upper Elementary!

[Rachel Levien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-structured, accessible and relevant with some practical, quick-implement strategies for SoR-alignment. Written more for those with a "balanced literacy" background but probably has something to offer most upper elementary ELA educators.

[Hannah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of why I wanted to teach and made me feel validated (also our current education system is shit)

[Rebecca Yockey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The science of reading is becoming more popular in younger grades—and rightly so. But we need more ways to help older kids who’ve missed out. This book is a great resource for that.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so much talk about the Science of Reading, I decided to do some reading to see what all the hoopla was. I'm really glad I did.
I'm a huge Adrienne Gear fan, I have all the books, have been to the workshops, and use her strategies throughout the school year. But I needed something more about how to teach reading to upper elementary students, especially given the increase in reluctant, struggling, and multilingual students in my classes in the past few years.
The book was well organized and easy to read. It will make a great reference tool as I'm teaching.
I appreciate the research that went into writing this book, and the wide variety of strategies this book offers, which I can incorporate into my teaching in the coming year.

[Jennifer Lones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of an online teacher book club. It is an excellent resource for moving an intermediate classroom forward in the science of reading. The sjx shifts are:
Reconsidering knowledge and its role in comprehension, rethinking strategy instruction, recommitting to vocabulary instruction, reclaiming word-reading in the intermediate grades, revisiting fluency instruction, and reimagining independent practice. Each shift is organized by discussing common myths occurring in education, and how to move beyond them to improve instruction.

[Taylor Schrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Shifting the Balance K-2 in college and Burkins & Yates’ research has shaped my approach to teaching phonics and phonological awareness in the elementary setting. I was excited when this book came out! The 3-5 book helped me to better understand the science behind comprehension and make the shift to focusing more on students prior/background knowledge, vocabulary acquisition, and understanding of text structure.

[Madelaine Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was engaging, well-written, and straight to the point! I enjoyed its movement towards SOR practices while not outright critiquing teachers who use curriculum with a Balanced Literacy approach. I would recommend this book to anyone trying to boost vocabulary, fluency, or comprehension in their intermediate classroom! I also loved the set up of the book - I enjoyed that it defended the science and then offered examples of how that science translates to inside your classroom.

[Samantha Porterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and straight forward read that would allow any educator to find a place “to start fresh” or begin to make some small adjustments in their practice. I appreciated the research and practical tips for the classroom.

[Heidi Maloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has altered the way I will teach all of my future students. For those looking to embrace science of reading techniques to help older students who are struggling to read, this is your book. It explains common misconceptions, offers alternatives and shows the research to back it up.

[Noelle Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so insightful for upper elementary teachers! So many great suggestions to enhance the efficiency of reading and writing instruction. If you are in the education field I highly recommend this read!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of a class provided by the authors. It really made me rethink some of my reading instruction and provided some solid instructional routines to incorporate into the classroom. I really enjoyed it!

[Kim Shank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for teachers grades 3-5!

[Sandy Kritzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much needed resource for the junior grades!

[Chloë Sprinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a 3rd-5th grade literacy teacher, this is a must read!! It’s extremely practical and easy to implement in systems you probably already have established!

[Srosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

So amazing. Great ideas for any class

[Corrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Research presented in a relevant and realistic way. Every upper elementary teacher needs to read it!!

[Erikalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great eye opener to teaching reading. They gave great ways to present current views on reading and why the science of reading wave is more beneficial. There was a lot to consider in this book.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appreciate the organization and the connections to the K-2 book

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the better professional development books I’ve read! Helpful tips and very non judgmental. Easy format to read & follow along with.

[Kassie Rybeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the book and took the course to go with it. I found the both engaging and informative. These 6 shifts could easily be applied to the younger students as well.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING book! A must read for any educator - particularly those in Middle and High School. So readable and such great research.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and feasible suggestions. Built upon what I learned in LETRS training. Non-judgmental approach to encouraging reflections and rethinking some literacy practices.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight and refreshers for teaching reading. Of course great for new reading teachers. Lots of helpful strategies to get kids to love to read.

[Eileen Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening with practical application.

[Emily Riesterer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Print 📚

I read this book for an upcoming conference and to keep up with the shift in practices. It’s well structured and a smooth read. Highly recommend to anyone teaching literacy in the classroom. It challenges potential norms and offers new strategies and thoughts on a scientific basis.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommend for upper elementary teachers