Which components make up a balanced literacy program?

A balanced literacy program integrates various components to effectively teach reading and writing skills. The correct answer highlights the components of read-alouds, shared reading, guided reading, and word study, which together create a comprehensive approach to literacy.

Read-alouds expose students to rich language and modeling of fluent reading. Shared reading allows students to engage with texts collaboratively, supporting comprehension and fluency as they interact with the text alongside a teacher or peers. Guided reading involves small-group instruction tailored to the specific needs of students, helping them develop strategies for decoding and comprehension at their individual reading levels. Word study focuses on the understanding of phonics, spelling patterns, and vocabulary, which are crucial for decoding and word recognition.

These components work synergistically to build literacy skills in a way that is dynamic and responsive to the needs of the students, promoting a love for reading and writing.

In contrast, options that focus solely on independent reading and testing, writing exercises and grammar drills, or textbook-based instruction and memorization lack the comprehensive and interactive nature that a balanced literacy program should embody. These alternative methods may neglect the essential collaborative and strategic aspects of literacy learning found in a balanced approach.