What characterizes balanced literacy programs?

• A. Programs limited to worksheets
• B. Balanced literacy programs that may include collaborative or independent reading from a variety of genres
• C. Pure phonics instruction only
• D. No reading instruction

Answer: (B)

Balanced literacy blends instruction with meaningful reading and writing experiences. It involves multiple ways to engage with texts—teacher modeling and think-alouds, guided reading in small groups, independent reading, and word work or phonics tied to the texts—alongside opportunities to read and write across a variety of genres. This approach supports decoding, comprehension, and writing development by using authentic texts and purposeful discussion, rather than relying on a single method.

That broader, literature-rich and interactive framework is best described by programs that include collaborative or independent reading from a variety of genres. It is not limited to worksheets, it goes beyond pure phonics by integrating both decoding and comprehension, and it certainly includes reading instruction rather than none.