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The Four Blocks® Literacy Model

What Is It?

Developed more than a decade ago by literacy experts Dr. Patricia Cunningham and Dr. Dorothy Hall in conjunction with first grade teacher, Margaret DeFee, Four Blocks is a balanced-literacy* framework for teaching language arts in grades 1-3. The Four Blocks program -- based on the premise that all children don't learn in the same way -- integrates four language arts areas into reading instruction. Those areas are: guided reading, self-selected reading, writing, and working with words.

Although originally created for use in first grade, Four Blocks has been adapted for use in other grades as well: Building Blocks provides a foundation for language, print, and literacy in kindergarten, while Big Blocks emphasizes activities appropriate for grades 4-8.

To learn more about the Four Blocks literacy model, explore the following Web sites:

• About Four Blocks
• The Four Blocks Literacy Model
• Four Blocks Literacy Framework from blocks4reading.com
• Four Blocks Programs and Practices
• What is the Four Blocks?
• The Four Blocks Literacy Model

The activities and lessons below will help you use the Four Blocks literacy model in your classroom.

• 4 Blocks Literacy in Kankakee (Illinois)
• Four Blocks
• 4 Blocks Literacy Lesson Plans from Teachers.net
• Building Blocks Lessons from Teachers.net
• Four Block Lessons
• Teacher's Desk Activities the 4 Block Way

• The Four Blocks Literacy Model
• How does a 4-blocks classroom look?
• Building Blocks
• An Introduction to the Building Blocks Literacy Model
• 4 Blocks For The Upper Grades
• The Big Blocks Literacy Framework
• Big Blocks
• Big Blocks Literacy Model
• 4 Blocks Literacy Framework

• What Does a Balanced Literacy Approach Mean?
• What Is Balanced Literacy?
• Balanced Literacy
• TUSD Balanced Literacy Booklets
• K-6 Balanced Literacy Pack
• In Internet-Based Treasure Hunt on Balanced Literacy

Article by Linda Starr
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