When it comes to teaching literacy, there are many components that a teacher needs to consider. Effective literacy instruction needs to be balanced and should include the many aspects of reading, writing, and word work. If any of these components are left out or are not explicitly taught at least initially, the students will not receive the balanced literacy instruction that they need and will not reach their full potential as readers and writers as a result. All of these, combined with a positive learning environment, make for the most effective literacy instruction.