Freda E. Branam

The "Balanced Literacy" program strives to develop confident, independent kindergarten, first and second grade readers and writers. With lessons designed to develop connections between reading and writing early in a child's education, Branam's instructional framework moves from demonstration and explicit teaching to guided practice and then to independent writing. Students' reading level and writing skills are continually assessed as teachers support them while they attain the skills to progress through sequential levels of text and prose. During the two-to-three hour daily literary activities, strategies are introduced and/or reviewed to help students problem solve on their own. Students experience success but are always challenged to improve their skills. Branam also encourages parents to get involved in their child's learning by reading to or with them daily. Books are sent home in kindergarten and first grades. This helps to put books in homes that otherwise may not have books for children to read. Branam lives in Jacksboro.