Balanced Literacy Essentials: Weaving Theory into Practice for Successful Instruction in Reading, Writing, and Talk

by Michelann Parr

Balanced Literacy Essentials shows teachers how to create a literacy program that balances the components of language arts with the power of meaningful interaction with students. Based on the latest learning theories, this timely resource is full of simple ways teachers can nurture meaningful reading, writing, and talk in today's classroom. The book provides an overview of reading instruction, techniques for supporting writers; and poetry, storytelling, and drama activities. Balanced Literacy Essentials offers the background and strategies teachers need to encourage students to question, discover, and learn.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2012

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great resources. Many I already use in the classroom, but a good refresher to help reboot the sleepy reading classroom.

[Pembroke Publishers · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This short book of 144 pages has a lot of ideas for teachers of reading who want to actively engage their students, especially at the elementary level. …Each chapter shows how specific works of children's literature can be used to actively engage students [and] ends with a useful list of other children's books that teachers could use to engage their students. ...The audience for this books is teachers who could use ideas for a variety of literacy activities to motivate their students." - Alberta Journal for Educational Research

"Reading the book was like a check-up of my teaching. It allowed me to reflect on my practice, tweak some things that I was letting slip, and gave me many new ideas and strategies that I am eager to try. ...This book gives is those strategies in a concise and effective format that will work well for any teacher, new or experienced." - ETFO Voice Magazine

"Students become readers, writers, critical listeners and critical thinkers, while engaging in tasks which empower them as individual learners. …This dynamic teacher resource is highly recommended as a tool for designing a successful, child-centred literacy program which scaffolds skills for success." - Resource Links

"The authors present an approachable and practical account of what an organized and comprehensive "balanced literacy" program might include. An excellent resource for any classroom or support teacher seeking definition of and design for a "balanced literacy" program." - Canadian Teacher Magazine

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repetitive at parts, but I do feel like it had some great information and there are definitely some new things that I would like to incorporate into my teaching.