Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom 1st Edition

Everyone seems to have strong opinions these days about the education of young children in reading. Some may pass off the current tensions as just another round in the "reading wars." Others may avoid the clash altogether because of the savage discourse that sometimes arises. Certainly, sorting out the signals from the noise is no easy task.

In this cutting-edge book, authors Jan Berkins and Kari Yates address this tension as an important opportunity to take a closer look at research, reassess current practices, and embrace new possibilities for even stronger practices of balanced literacy.
 The authors highlight common practices that should be reconsidered and revisited while respecting the balanced literacy perspective.

Over the course of six shifts, the chapters are organized as follows

Identify general instructional practices that should be reconsidered.
Explore the various misconceptions that entrench and sustain that instructional practice.
Share scientific research that supports a rethink.
Suggest instructional shifts to apply the new perspective.
Detail several high-leverage instructional routines that support the implementation of that shift.
By pinpointing gaps and overlaps between opposing ideas, as well as common misconceptions and missed opportunities, Jean and Kari provide direction and clarity for busy educators to incorporate science and balance into their daily instruction while prioritizing meaningful text-based experiences.