Balanced Literacy versus Structured Literacy

Balanced Literacy versus Structured Literacy

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi December 13, 2019 Duration: 19:41

Mary describes the differences between Balanced Literacy vs. Structured Literacy.

We have been doing a series on Balanced Literacy which might confuse some of our listeners. RTL wants to bring best practices to our conversations. If you, like us, believe that a strong phonics practice is essential, you will want to help your school transition to using a stronger structured literacy approach to word study.  In this episode, we will be discussing ways to effectively bring stronger phonics instruction to your schools' teaching practices.




Resource Links:

  1. Nancy Young Infographic, IDA 
  2. NHSD Components of Balanced LIteracy
  3. IDA definition of Structured Literacy
  4. Iowa Reading Research Center article An Explanation of Structured Literacy, and a Comparison to Balanced Literacy
  5. Emily Gibbons blog post: How to Help Your School With the Transition to a Structured Literacy Approach
  6. Balanced Literacy article k12 Reader
  7. Lucy Calkins' Response to "phonics-centric"




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In the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi pull up a chair for a conversation that feels both deeply professional and warmly familiar. These two elementary reading teachers and Atlanta neighbors discovered a shared, fervent passion for literacy over a local dinner, realizing they were kindred spirits in their mission. That initial chat never really ended, and now it forms the heart of this podcast. Each episode invites you into their ongoing dialogue, where practical classroom strategies, reflections on what works, and thoughtful discussions about reaching every single learner are all on the table. It’s a space designed for fellow educators, dedicated parents, and anyone invested in how children learn to read, offering tangible ideas rather than abstract theory. The tone is collaborative and grounded in real classroom experiences, reflecting a joint belief that literacy is foundational. By tuning in, you gain access to their collective experience and earnest curiosity, all focused on the complex, rewarding world of teaching reading. This isn't about performance; it's about sharing a genuine professional conversation from their lounge to yours, making the Reading Teachers Lounge a unique podcast for those who live and breathe language education.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 129

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