When Did Balance Become a Dirty Word?

Bringing Balance Back to Education

I am currently working on rewriting my scope and sequence, striving to make it even more user-friendly. I know, I know, I can hear everyone saying, "Leslee, stop, take a break, give yourself some time!" I hear you all, and please understand, the chance to refine my scope and sequence so others can have a better experience using it, alongside the opportunity to write, is my idea of a break. In fact, it's a chance to finally release the thoughts and ideas that have been occupying my mind all year.

The Importance of Balance

Now, let's dive into the main topic of this post: balance. Balance is essential, right? We are constantly reminded to achieve a work-life balance, to eat a balanced diet, and to balance rest with exercise. Yet, when it comes to teaching and learning, the word "balance" has somehow become controversial, a dirty word.

When we started advocating for structured literacy, the word "balance" became closely associated with "balanced literacy." Unfortunately, as soon as anyone mentioned "balanced," they were met with criticism and thoroughly chastised.

The mere mention of "balanced" has, for some reason, come to imply that we are not committed to best practices, and thus, should be dismissed.

Reclaiming Balance

However, I am here to reclaim the concept of balance—not to advocate for balanced literacy per se, but to emphasise that balance is crucial if we are to succeed for our children. The current "prescribed" curriculum being promoted nationwide is, in my view, a sham—a placebo, if you will, reminiscent of the Emperor's New Clothes.

The disparagement of the word "balance" has led us to a narrow path, a path where, if we are not careful, we will discard all the good that makes schools places where children can truly thrive. This prescribed curriculum is turning us into fools, leaving us exposed, prancing around as if we were clothed.

This does not mean I am against getting the teaching right. The very existence of my scope and sequence (which can be taught across mixed levels) is a testament to my commitment to excellence. This blog also serves as further evidence of that commitment.

The Missing Element

Here's the kicker: what the government is missing is that they are eliminating the very elements that would make their touted teaching practices work effectively for all, not just a select few. They are pushing out play, relational practice, the arts, culture, time to connect, individuality, understanding—they are pushing out balance, the very things that we as human beings need to thrive.

Without the beautiful nuances that make a successful school truly successful—provision for play, developmentally informed practice, relational practice, local curriculum, the arts, neuroscience-informed practice, and people—the prescription they are offering leaves us vulnerable, balancing between the here and the upside down.

So, let's bring balance back. For those of us who have never let it go, hold on tight, because without it, we are nothing more than a foolish naked Emperor, prancing around proudly, too vain to admit we are getting it wrong.