ABSTRACT

Striking a Balance explores a comprehensive program of early literacy instruction through a balanced approach to reading and writing for both enjoyment and information. The fifth edition retains the special features that adopters have come to appreciate: classroom vignettes, discussion questions, field-based activities, a student website, and study guide. This latest edition offers expanded content on differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including working with English Language Learners and students with special needs. Also new to this edition is greater coverage on integrating state standards with early literacy instruction. The book’s practical approach fundamentally demonstrates how children develop authentic literacy skills through a combination of direct strategy instruction and motivating contexts.

chapter 1|13 pages

A Child Learns to Read

Process and Product

chapter 2|16 pages

A Quest for Balance

Moving Forward

chapter 3|27 pages

Emergent Literacy

From Birth to Conventional Literacy

chapter 4|17 pages

Phonemic Awareness

The Sounds of Our Language

chapter 5|30 pages

Phonics, Sight Vocabulary and Fluency

Why and How

chapter 6|20 pages

Spelling

A Writer’s Tool

chapter 7|24 pages

Acquiring Word Meanings

The Building Blocks of Literacy

chapter 8|28 pages

Reading Comprehension

Making Sense of Print

chapter 9|28 pages

Writing-Reading Connections

Reciprocal Paths to Literacy

chapter 10|21 pages

Informational Text in the Classroom

Reading and Writing to Learn

chapter 11|24 pages

Large- and Small-Group Reading Strategies

Creating a Literate Community

chapter 12|22 pages

Literacy and Technology in a Balanced Classroom

Exploring Today’s Resources

chapter 13|33 pages

Assessment of Early Literacy Development

Informing Instruction

chapter 14|17 pages

Home as Partner

The Shared Connection

chapter 15|15 pages

The Early Literacy Classroom

Orchestrating A Comprehensive Program