Going on a Scavenger Hunt?

I recently came across a Balanced Literacy Scavenger Hunt that caught my attention.

Even though younger grades are mentioned in the title of this scavenger hunt, Balanced Literacy: Reading and Writing in the First and Second Grade Classroom, I think the ideas and resources presented here are appropriate for any elementary grade. I really like the subtitle on the webpage: an internet-based treasure hunt on balanced literacy. This webpage is similar to a treasure chest with the thought-provoking questions and ideas as well as the linked locations to find some answers to encourage even more thinking.

Not only are there questions concerning the components of a balanced literacy program but also questions about the characteristics of the students involved in the program. We can’t forget about the students, since they need to ultimately be the driving force and reason for any program used to assist their learning. Since students need to be a main focus of the program, the way the classroom and the students in it are managed is an important piece of the puzzle.

There are also questions about instructional strategies and classroom setup. The way the classroom is arranged can play an important role in the effectiveness of any instructional strategy used in that classroom.
Another piece to the puzzle that is not always verbalized is the assessment of the program and the students. How can we know if what we are doing is effective? We have to keep checking along the way and making the needed changes.

There is a list of links to explore to help you think about the answers to these questions. I would encourage you to also look at other resources, maybe even one that are more directly related to the specific areas and issues you are dealing with.

So the 14 Questions about various Balanced Literacy topics (components, fluency, book choice, shared and guided reading, assessment, classroom management and arrangement …) promote the thinking that will help the teacher in answering the Big Question on the webpage which basically boils down to how is what we are and/or are not doing helping students become better readers and writers.

This Balanced Literacy Scavenger Hunt can be found at http://www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/english/edservices/pedresources/balancedlit/balancedliteracy.htm