 Chapter 10 Overview
There’s no one best way to teach reading and writing. Because students have diverse needs,
effective teachers create balanced literacy programs by using two or more instructional
approaches. Chapter 10 addresses four of the most commonly used literacy programs: basal
reading programs, literature focus units, literature circles, and reading and writing workshop.
Definitions and guidance in organizing classrooms for literacy instruction are provided.

Chapter 10 Objectives
After reading chapter 10, you should be able to:
1. Describe ways in which effective teacher use basal reading programs.
2. Describe ways in which teachers can implement literature focus units.
3. Describe the use of Literature Circles in the classroom.
4. Describe ways in which teachers can implement reading and writing workshop.

How Effective Teachers Organize for Instruction
1. Teachers use a combination of instructional approaches to provide effective literacy
instruction because they understand that no one approach is a complete program.
2. Teachers recognize that basal reading programs have strong skill components.
3. Teachers present literature focus units to teach students about award-winning books.
4. Teachers incorporate choice, literature, and response into literature circles.
5. Teachers provide opportunities for students to read self-selected books during reading
workshop and write on self-selected topics during writing workshop.

Preview
Chapter 10 explains the ways in which effective teachers use basal reading programs, literature
focus units, literature circles, and reading and writing workshop. As the class begins a study of
chapter 10, discuss the questions which follow.
1. Reflect upon the literacy instruction you received in the elementary grades. What materials
were used? Was there predominantly whole group instruction, small group instruction, or
individualized instruction?
2. What types of books did you enjoy reading when you were in the elementary grades? What
motivated you to read?
3. When you become a teacher, what types of instructional materials would you like to use in
your literacy program?