Cecil, Nancy Lee. (1999).Striking a Balance: Positive Practices for Early Literacy. Scottsdale, Arizona: Holcomb Hathaway.
In Striking a Balance, Nancy Lee Cecil, a professor of Education at California State University at Sacramento, attempts to answer the question: "Is it possible for educators to teach young children the underlying skills necessary for literacy acquisition, while at the same time instilling a passion for the reciprocal activities of reading & writing?" Cecil theorizes, based on current research, interviews, and her own observations, that a balanced literacy program "focuses more on reading, writing, listening, speaking and thinking as interrelated communication processes" and that basic skills should be taught "within the context of rich and varied reading and writing experiences."
To help pre-service and in-service teachers accomplish this, Cecil has highlighted teaching methods and examples which represent the most effective practices in early literacy instruction. In 11 chapters, such as "Emergent Literacy," "Phonics Instruction," "Reading-Writing Connections," and "Informing Instruction," she describes the pertinent issues involved in teaching reading and how to help students become literate. Each chapter provides suggestions for classroom activities, asks questions for discussions and lists other possible projects to be incorporated into a lesson plan or curriculum. The last chapter, "Early Literacy" focuses on a well-respected teacher's classroom, describing a typical day in the classroom and illustrating how to incorporate and integrate into teaching all the techniques and practices mentioned in the previous 11 chapters. Classroom design and environment are also discussed. Appendices that list recommended children's references, teacher references, assessment instruments, and informal checklists and assessment devices are included.
Cecil tries to reduce years of literacy teaching and a multitude of literacy theories into 320 pages, which necessarily makes discussions on some topics very cursory. However, Striking a Balance, does provide a well-thought-out overview of early literacy practices as well as some very practical suggestions about teaching practices and creating an environment that will help students develop literacy skills. Experienced teachers would probably pick up a few ideas from this title, but it will be of most assistance to pre-service and new teachers.
Pages: 320 Price: $32.95 ISBN: 1-890871-21-4
Reviewed by Shellie Jeffries, Wayne State University
