What is a critical component of a balanced literacy program?

A balanced literacy program is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to teaching reading that incorporates various methods and strategies to support students' literacy development. This approach includes multiple components such as read-alouds, which model fluent reading and expose students to rich vocabulary; shared reading, which fosters collaborative learning and comprehension through group engagement; guided reading, where teachers support small groups to develop strategies tailored to their reading levels; and independent reading to encourage personal exploration and engagement with text.

By integrating these varied components, students benefit from a well-rounded literacy experience that caters to diverse learning styles and needs, enabling them to develop essential reading skills progressively. This balance is crucial for fostering an environment where all aspects of literacy are explored and developed, ultimately enhancing students' overall reading proficiency.