Maximizing Your Literacy Block with Our 3-Part Framework

Finding time to teach comprehension effectively can feel like an impossible puzzle, especially when your literacy block is limited and your to-do list keeps growing. You’re juggling whole group lessons, small groups, independent practice, and writing—all while trying to ensure every student receives the support they need. Sound familiar? You’re not alone!

The good news is that with a clear structure and thoughtful planning, you can make the most of your literacy block while meeting your students’ needs. Our 3-Part Framework for ELA instruction is designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule, whether you have 90 minutes or 120 minutes. Here’s how to make it work for you!

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Breaking Down the Literacy Block

The key to effective scheduling is prioritizing time for:

• Explicit Instruction
• Meaningful Text Application
• Independent or Extended Practice

Our whole group framework divides comprehension lessons into three parts:

1. Teaching the Standard – Focus on direct, standards-aligned instruction with clear modeling and guided practice.
2. Text Application – Help students deepen their understanding by applying the skills to a carefully selected text.
3. Extension Activities – Provide opportunities for students to explore the concept further through independent or small group practice.

No matter the length of your literacy block, this structure ensures you’re covering the essentials while allowing flexibility to meet your classroom’s unique needs.

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Literacy Block Sample Schedules: 90 & 120 Minutes

For a 90-Minute Block:

• 15 minutes: Word Study
• 20 minutes: Whole Group Reading (Comprehension)
• 30 minutes: Small Groups + Independent Practice
• 20 minutes: Writing + Language
• 5 minutes: Transitions

For a 120-Minute Block:

• 20 minutes: Word Study
• 25 minutes: Whole Group Reading (Comprehension)
• 35 minutes: Small Groups + Independent Practice
• 30 minutes: Writing + Language
• 5 minutes: Transitions

These schedules give you a starting point, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on your students’ needs or your lesson goals!

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Using the 3-Part Framework Over a Week

Rather than trying to squeeze all three parts into one day, consider spreading them out over the week to allow more time for each phase. Here is how we might break up two of our Whole Group Lessons over a week:

• Monday: Teaching the Standard (5Ws and How)
• Tuesday: Text Application (5Ws and How)
• Wednesday: Teaching the Standard (Refer to the Text)
• Thursday: Text Application (Refer to the Text)
• Friday: Writing About Reading (5Ws and How/Refer to the Text)

This approach ensures students have ample time to engage with the material and practice their skills without feeling rushed.

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But….

“I don’t have enough time!”
Many teachers feel like their literacy block is too short to fit everything in. By focusing on one part of the framework at a time, you can go deeper without sacrificing quality.

“How do I balance small groups with whole group lessons?”
Consider using our Part 1 of our framework: Teaching the Standard lessons for whole group lessons and Part 2: Text Application for small group work. This allows you to differentiate while ensuring all students receive explicit instruction.

Want to learn more about our 3-Part framework for teaching comprehension effectively? Check out THIS blog post!

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Teaching comprehension doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using our 3-Part Framework and spreading lessons across the week, you can provide focused, meaningful instruction without feeling stretched too thin.

Remember, it’s not about squeezing everything into one day—it’s about giving your students the time they need to learn, practice, and grow. With a little planning and the right tools, you’ll be able to create a literacy block that works for both you and your students.

Need more support? Join The Stellar Literacy Collective to access ready-made lesson plans, schedules, and resources to make planning easier and teaching more impactful. Let’s take the stress out of scheduling and make your literacy block a time for real learning and growth!

Want to learn more on the go? If so, check out Episode #150 of The Stellar Teacher Podcast: 3 Mistakes That Teachers Make When Creating a Literacy Block Schedule.

Happy Teaching!