Shifting The Balance, Grades 3-5 (6 Ways To Bring The Science Of Reading Into The Upper Elementary Classroom)

By (author) Cunningham Katie; By (author) Burkins, Jan; By (author) Yates, Kari
Short description/annotation:

In this much anticipated follow-up to their groundbreaking book, Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom, authors Jan Burkins and Kari Yates, together with co-author Katie Cunningham, extend the conversation in this book.

Description:

In this much anticipated follow-up to their groundbreaking book, Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom, authors Jan Burkins and Kari Yates, together with co-author Katie Cunningham, extend the conversation in Shifting the Balance, Grades 3-5: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Upper Elementary Classroom. This new text is built in mind specifically for grades 3-5 teachers around best practices for the intermediate classroom.

Shifting the Balance, Grades 3-5 introduces six more shifts across individual chapters that:

• Zoom in on a common (but not-as helpful-as-we-had-hoped) practice to reconsider
• Untangle a number of “misunderstandings” that have likely contributed to the use of the common practice
• Propose a more science-aligned shift to the current practice
• Provide solid scientific research to support the revised practice
• Offer a collection of high-leverage, easy-to-implement instructional routines to support the shift to more brain-friendly instruction

The authors offer a refreshing approach that is respectful, accessible, and practical – grounded in an earnest commitment to building a bridge between research and classroom practice. As with the first Shifting the Balance, they aim to keep students at the forefront of reading instruction.

Table of contents:
Introduction: Head Work and Heart Work 1. Reconsidering How Knowledge Impacts Comprehension 2. Rethinking the Role of Strategy Instruction in Learning to Comprehend 3. Recommitting to Vocabulary Instruction 4. Reclaiming Word-Reading Instruction in the Intermediate Grades 5. Revisiting Fluency Instruction 6. Reimagining Independent Practice in the Literacy Classroom
Review quote:

“In Shifting the Balance, 3–5, Cunningham, Burkins, and Yates go beyond the science of reading being only phonics. Taking a deeper dive into vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and word identification for upper elementary students, this book helps teachers understand what is needed in their instruction through easy-to-read case scenarios. Thanks to these authors for once again bridging hearts and minds.”

Donna Hejtmanek Retired Educator and Creator of the Science of Reading-What I Should Have Learned in College Facebook Group

“Shifting the Balance, 3–5 brings the Science of Reading from theory to direct application. This new take on literacy instruction brings forth the hope of long-lasting knowledge and continued growth for students. It is not only a thorough approach but is realistic and best of all, attainable!”

Clorasteen Wilson, Structured Literacy Instructor, Associate/OGA

“Teaching reading can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Our classrooms are filled with diverse groups of learners that present all different levels of instructional need. Shifting the Balance, 3–5 gives teachers tools they need to incorporate reading instruction that is purposeful and student-centered. With data driven techniques and lessons, this book will set up any upper elementary school classroom with success.”

Michaela Durr, New York City Teacher

"While many of the big conversations about the Science of Reading (SOR) research have focused on the foundational skills in primary grades, upper elementary teachers no longer need to feel left in the dark. With this gem, Cunningham, Burkins, and