balanced literacy

American  

noun

1. a method of teaching reading in which phonics and whole language approaches are both used to maximize student learning.

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Etymology

Origin of balanced literacy

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

“But it’s a steep learning curve,” she said, especially for teachers who have long taught a balanced literacy approach.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

But the research has become clear: Looking at the pictures or context of a story to guess a word — as is encouraged in whole language or balanced literacy instruction, leads to struggles with reading.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

For example, in May 2022, Lucy Calkins, an education professor and leading advocate of balanced literacy, announced a major retreat.

From Scientific American • Sep. 26, 2023

By third grade, children should have reached on-grade proficiency in both reading and writing, and thus the balanced literacy program should take precedence.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2022

At the same time, Southwest started using the science of reading approach, because balanced literacy was not working for its students, said Erin Roberts, a teacher leadership specialist at the school.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 10, 2021