The Balanced Literacy Diet presents literacy concepts using the familiar terminology of a healthy diet. We know that in order to grow and develop there are certain food groups we need on a daily basis. We also know that balance, flavor and presentation are what make foods appealing and therefore more likely to be consumed.

This channel is organized around 15 key "food groups" for literacy. These are based on what is known from research and practice to be essential for effective literacy instruction. Through hundreds of brief engaging videos, educators can learn about the essential food groups for literacy and hear from "classroom chefs" presenting "literacy recipes" in their own personal styles. BUT this is just an appetizer!

Visit The Melissa Institute's FREE website for hundreds of detailed lesson plans and Virtual Tours of the classrooms of exemplary literacy teachers, who share insights on implementing effective and engaging instruction in classrooms from Pre-K to 6th grade.