Balanced Literacy vs. Structured Literacy

Attribute	Balanced Literacy	Structured Literacy
Approach	Combines whole language and phonics instruction	Focuses on explicit, systematic phonics instruction
Reading Instruction	Emphasizes reading for meaning and comprehension	Focuses on decoding skills and phonemic awareness
Writing Instruction	Includes a variety of writing activities and genres	Emphasizes spelling and grammar rules
Teacher Role	Facilitator of student-centered learning	Direct instructor of phonics and decoding skills

Introduction

When it comes to teaching literacy, educators have different approaches to help students develop their reading and writing skills. Two common methods used in schools are Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy. While both aim to improve literacy skills, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the key features of Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy to help educators understand the differences between the two approaches.

Definition

Balanced Literacy is an instructional approach that combines various methods to teach reading and writing. It typically includes elements of whole language, phonics, and sight word recognition. The goal of Balanced Literacy is to provide students with a well-rounded literacy education that incorporates both meaning-based and skills-based instruction. On the other hand, Structured Literacy is a systematic and explicit approach to teaching literacy that focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. It is designed to help students build a strong foundation in reading and writing through structured and sequential instruction.

Instructional Components

In Balanced Literacy, instruction is often divided into different components, such as read-alouds, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, and word study. Teachers use a variety of strategies and materials to engage students in reading and writing activities. The emphasis is on providing students with opportunities to practice and apply their literacy skills in authentic contexts. In contrast, Structured Literacy instruction is highly structured and follows a specific sequence of skills. Teachers use explicit teaching techniques to introduce and reinforce phonemic awareness, phonics rules, and decoding strategies. The focus is on building a strong foundation in reading and writing through direct instruction and practice.

Phonics Instruction

One of the key differences between Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy is the approach to phonics instruction. In Balanced Literacy, phonics instruction is often integrated into the overall literacy curriculum and may not be taught systematically. Students learn phonics rules and patterns through exposure to authentic texts and word study activities. While phonics is considered important in Balanced Literacy, it is not the sole focus of instruction. On the other hand, Structured Literacy places a strong emphasis on systematic phonics instruction. Students are taught phonemic awareness, letter-sound relationships, and decoding skills in a structured and sequential manner. The goal is to help students develop strong phonics skills that will support their reading and writing abilities.

Decoding Strategies

Another important aspect to consider when comparing Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy is the approach to teaching decoding strategies. In Balanced Literacy, students are encouraged to use a variety of strategies to decode unfamiliar words, such as using context clues, visual cues, and word patterns. While decoding skills are taught in Balanced Literacy, the focus is on meaning-making and comprehension. In Structured Literacy, decoding strategies are explicitly taught and practiced to help students become proficient readers. Students learn how to apply phonics rules and decoding strategies to accurately read and spell words. The systematic approach in Structured Literacy ensures that students develop strong decoding skills that are essential for reading success.

Comprehension Instruction

When it comes to comprehension instruction, Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy also differ in their approaches. In Balanced Literacy, comprehension skills are taught through a variety of strategies, such as predicting, summarizing, and making connections. Teachers focus on helping students understand and interpret texts to enhance their overall comprehension abilities. While comprehension is an important component of Balanced Literacy, it is often integrated into reading activities rather than explicitly taught. In Structured Literacy, comprehension instruction is embedded within the literacy curriculum and is taught alongside decoding and fluency skills. Students learn how to use comprehension strategies to make meaning from texts and improve their understanding of written material. The structured approach in Structured Literacy ensures that students develop strong comprehension skills that support their reading comprehension.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy are two distinct approaches to teaching literacy that have different attributes and instructional components. While Balanced Literacy focuses on providing students with a well-rounded literacy education that incorporates various methods, Structured Literacy emphasizes systematic and explicit instruction in phonics, decoding, and comprehension. Educators can choose the approach that best suits the needs of their students based on their instructional goals and preferences. By understanding the key differences between Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy, educators can make informed decisions about how to effectively teach literacy skills and support student learning.