This course will be devoted to studying, planning for, and practicing various methods of reading instruction. Balanced literacy methods covered in this course will include: interactive read-aloud, reading workshop, shared reading, and phonics/word study. These will be learned through a combination of related readings, demonstrations by the instructor, lesson planning, role-play, studying video clips, and analyzing samples of student work. Participants will also be expected practice methods in their own classrooms

Emphasis will be placed on practicing methods that are responsive to the needs and goals of each individual student, and balancing the use of each method according to the needs of the students.

This course offered specifically to K-5 teachers in the Essex Westford School District. Participants from outside the district should contact Beth for more information.