There are many approaches to teaching reading and writing. One controversial discussion was the need for primary English teachers to provide a balanced literacy programme. A balanced literacy curriculum includes three interdependent aspects: learning to read and write, learning to read and write, and learning through reading and writing (Grice, 2015). However, there are different teaching methods in English, including integrated, thematic, literature-based approaches, as well as systematic and explicit skill-focused approaches, which will be discussed further. This report will also discuss a range of programs, approaches and strategies used in Australian schools, compare and contrast the benefits and complications of the programs in relation to a primary English classroom. Balanced Literacy Program The overall purpose of the Balanced Literacy Program is to provide students with a differentiated instructional program, which will support the development of each student's reading and writing skills. Components of a balanced literacy program include teaching phonics, grammatical skills, reading and comprehension strategies, writing forms and skills, direct and indirect reading, independent reading, interactive writing, writing shared, guided writing and independent writing (Frey et al. 2005. page 272). According to Frey, Lee, Tollefson, Pass, and Massengill (2005) “Balanced literacy is a philosophical orientation that assumes that reading and writing outcomes are developed through instruction and support in multiple environments in which teachers use various approaches that differ based on the level of teacher support." and control of children'. Children should be able to get the most out of their learning through quality programs that ... middle of paper ... in the classroom, phonics would not be taught first or formally, however teachers will observe phonic errors that children children can make and provide a brief description of any word patterns or sound symbols that students tend to miss as they progress (Fordham, 2015). The balanced approach to literacy has become a common debated issue in the classroom. In conclusion, as discussed above, providing a balanced literacy program with thematic, integrated, and literature-based unit components, as well as incorporating elements of systematic and explicit approaches, can lead to a successful English classroom. Importantly, teachers need to formulate and design what works best for their individual classrooms and recognize that incorporating a variety of approaches is key. The focus should be on the students within the classroom, so it is crucial to understand them through ongoing assessments