Balanced Literacy Virtual Classrooms

When training teachers how to implement Balanced Literacy, we at Teaching Matters have found it helpful to use a "Case Study" approach that compares and contrasts many levels of achievement in literacy instruction. These illustrated and animated Virtual Demonstration Classrooms are used during online discussions and face-to-face to stimulate dialogue about what works and what doesn't in the classroom.

Our Virtual Demonstration Classrooms require the use of the Flash 5 Player. Most computers will be able to view the classrooms, but if you are using an older version of Flash or do not have it installed yet, you can upgrade your Flash to the most recent version here.

Mrs. Morton's 2nd and 3rd Grade Class Mrs. Morton models Balanced Literacy instruction using a wide range of technology in her mixed-grade class of young readers and writers.
Mr. Harris' and Mrs. Ballard's Reading Activities Mr. Harris and Mrs. Ballard demonstrate two different levels of achievement in Balanced Literacy instruction for their fourth grade classrooms. Can you identify the strenghts and weaknesses of each?