Balanced Reading and Basal Reading Programs

Implementing a balanced literacy program would be an excellent way to teach the different aspects of literacy in the classroom. By using this type of program students are learning reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. In addition, when used appropriately, students are learning in a variety of different ways—such as reading different genres, with different reading practices, writing different genres, using different techniques. This makes it so not only is the child not bored when approached with literacy, but is actually working with a program that fits her or his needs. Balanced literacy program would work really well in any classroom, especially since the program can be adapted to fit any ability, as well as work for English Language Learners.

Basal reading programs offer a lot in terms of the different aspects of literacy as well. Within this program, students will learn about reading, writing, fluency, comprehension, listening, speaking, etc. However, with the basal reading program, there isn’t much room for variation and so much information is to be covered in each topic. It would be difficult to implement a program such as this in classroom and expect to cover everything. With that—it may be useful for teachers who are just starting out, as long as the teacher realizes that she or he may pick and choose what they want to cover. This way, the teacher may pick certain activities that suit their students best.