Which instructional method combines direct phonics instruction with opportunities for interaction with literature?

The correct answer is Balanced Literacy. This instructional method effectively incorporates a range of approaches to teach reading and writing. By combining direct phonics instruction—which emphasizes the relationship between letters and sounds—with opportunities for students to interact with diverse literature, Balanced Literacy creates a comprehensive framework. This method not only supports the development of decoding skills through phonics but also fosters a love for reading and critical engagement with texts.

In Balanced Literacy, students are encouraged to participate in reading workshops, guided reading sessions, and discussions about literature, which allows them to make personal connections to the texts. The integration of phonics instruction ensures that students build the necessary foundational skills while also engaging with rich and meaningful content. This dual focus promotes both technical reading skills and a deep appreciation for reading, making it an effective method in literacy instruction.

Other methods such as the Whole Language Approach, Literature Circles, and Literacy Guilds may emphasize different aspects of reading and literacy, often without the structured phonics component that Balanced Literacy presents.