difference between balanced literacy and structured literacy

2 min read 05-09-2024

difference between balanced literacy and structured literacy

In the realm of education, particularly in reading instruction, two prominent approaches often come into discussion: Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy. Both methods aim to enhance literacy skills among learners, but they differ significantly in philosophy and execution. This article will explore the key differences between these two instructional approaches.

What is Balanced Literacy?

Balanced Literacy is a comprehensive approach that incorporates various instructional strategies to teach reading and writing. This method is built upon the idea of using a mix of techniques, including phonics, whole language, and literature-based learning. The primary components of Balanced Literacy typically include:

Read Alouds: Teachers read texts to students to model fluent reading and comprehension.
Shared Reading: Students read texts collaboratively with guidance from the teacher.
Guided Reading: Small groups of students read texts at their instructional level with teacher support.
Independent Reading: Students read texts on their own, promoting individual choice and engagement.
Writing Workshops: Opportunities for students to write and share their work, fostering writing skills.

Key Features of Balanced Literacy

Integration of Skills: Balances phonics instruction with comprehension strategies and exposure to literature.
Student Choice: Emphasizes student interests and preferences in reading materials.
Flexible Grouping: Allows for various groupings based on student needs and reading levels.

What is Structured Literacy?

Structured Literacy, on the other hand, is a more systematic and explicit approach to teaching reading. It is rooted in research and is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties. This method emphasizes a clear, sequenced, and direct instruction of reading components. Key elements of Structured Literacy include:

Phonological Awareness: Teaching students to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language.
Phonics Instruction: Explicit and systematic teaching of the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters or groups of letters.
Fluency: Practice in reading accurately and quickly, often through repeated reading.
Vocabulary Development: Direct instruction in word meanings and usage.
Comprehension: Strategies that help students understand and interpret what they read.

Key Features of Structured Literacy

Systematic Approach: Follows a clear scope and sequence to ensure all critical components of reading are addressed.
Explicit Instruction: Involves direct teaching of skills and concepts, minimizing reliance on student discovery.
Assessment-Driven: Regular assessment informs instruction and identifies areas needing additional support.

Comparing the Two Approaches

Instructional Philosophy

Balanced Literacy promotes a more holistic view of literacy that blends various methodologies and encourages student choice.
Structured Literacy focuses on a scientific, evidence-based approach that emphasizes the direct teaching of skills and structured progression.

Student Engagement

In Balanced Literacy, student interests often dictate reading material, promoting engagement through choice.
Structured Literacy may involve more prescribed texts initially to ensure foundational skills are firmly established before moving on to varied materials.

Effectiveness for Diverse Learners

Balanced Literacy can be effective for many learners, especially those who are already inclined toward literacy and can benefit from exposure to a range of texts.
Structured Literacy is especially beneficial for struggling readers and those with learning disabilities, providing the systematic instruction they need.

Conclusion

Both Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy have their merits and can be effective in fostering reading skills. The choice between the two often depends on the specific needs of the students and the educational context. Educators should consider these differences when designing reading programs to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills. Understanding these approaches allows teachers to create more effective and inclusive literacy instruction tailored to their students' needs.