Balanced Reading Instruction

Timely Topics: Balanced Reading Instruction http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/timely/britoc.htm

Abstract: This brief paper describes the common but mistaken view that whole language and skills-based instruction are dichotomous. Research shows that the teaching of reading requires solid skill instruction (including phonics and phonemic awareness) embedded in enjoyable reading and writing experiences with whole texts to facilitate the construction of meaning. In other words, balanced reading instruction in the classroom combines the best of phonics instruction and the whole-language approach to teach both skills and meaning and to meet the reading needs of individual children.

Check out the balanced reading "issues" at:
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/timely/briiss.htm