The search for ‘balance’ in literacy instruction

The issue of ‘balance’ in literacy instruction is the focus of many current debates and criticisms of literature-based curriculum. These criticisms can be challenged by examining our histories as educators and developing curricular frameworks that provide alternative views of ‘balance’. This article presents one possible framework based on the work of Halliday (1985) and then uses this framework to examine the role of guided reading and literature discussion groups in children's lives as readers. Several scenarios for the future of literature in classroom instruction and life are also discussed.