Guided reading is one of the most effective strategies for supporting struggling readers. It’s so effective, in fact, that it serves as a central component of many literacy programs, and every reading specialist, interventionist, and teacher should at least know what it is, if not how to use it. After all, reading is in the name! There’s also a plethora of research backing it! So for all you educators who have yet to incorporate guided reading into your lesson plans, keep reading…this article is for you!
What is Guided Reading?
Guided reading is an instructional approach where a teacher works with a small group of students who are at a similar reading level. The aim is to support and scaffold their reading skills by providing individualized guidance within a text. This method involves the teacher introducing a book to the group, supporting students as they read the text independently, and then facilitating discussions and activities to deepen comprehension and reinforce reading strategies. The teacher offers prompts, asks questions, and provides feedback to enhance understanding and improve reading proficiency within a supportive, small-group setting.
How to Use Guided Reading
Follow this comprehensive 10-step process to plan and facilitate rigorous guided reading sessions in your classroom:
- Group Formation: Review data and form small groups of students who are at a similar reading level. This allows you to tailor instruction to the specific needs and abilities of the group.
- Book Selection: Choose a book that is appropriate for the reading level of the group. The book should offer some challenge while remaining manageable for your students to read independently.
- Preparation: Before the session, preview the text, identify potential challenging vocabulary or concepts, and prepare prompts or questions to support comprehension and engagement.
- Introduction: Begin the session by introducing the book, discussing the title, cover, and any background information that might be relevant to understanding the text. Set a purpose for reading to engage students and focus their attention.
- Guided Reading Session: During the reading, observe and support each student as they read the text independently. This may involve providing assistance with difficult words, monitoring reading strategies, and offering encouragement. Have students take turns reading until reach a stopping point or run out of time.
- Guided Discussion: After reading, engage students in a discussion about the text. Ask open-ended questions to prompt critical thinking and encourage them to share their thoughts, predictions, and connections to the text. Discuss vocabulary, comprehension strategies, and elements of the story or informational content.
- Targeted Instruction: Use the opportunity to provide targeted instruction based on observed difficulties. This might involve teaching specific reading strategies, reinforcing comprehension skills, or addressing misconceptions.
- Extension Activities: Depending on time and the focus of the session, introduce extension activities related to the text. This could involve writing tasks, further exploration of the topic, or related projects to deepen understanding.
- Assessment and Reflection: As the session concludes, assess students’ understanding through informal means such as questioning, observing, or having students summarize key points. Reflect on the session’s effectiveness and note areas for improvement in future guided reading sessions.
- Follow-up and Reinforcement: Provide opportunities for students to continue engaging with the text or related materials independently or in subsequent guided reading sessions. This reinforces learning and supports continued progress.
Consistency and flexibility are key in guided reading. The sessions should be adapted based on students’ progress and needs, and they should occur regularly to allow for continuous improvement in reading skills and comprehension.
Final Words
Follow the Classroom Camp TPT store and download our FREE guided reading resources to help you get started!
