As elementary teachers, we know how important guided reading instruction is. The main goal of guided reading is to provide targeted, differentiated support to small groups of students who are at similar reading levels.
What is guided reading- really?
Guided reading allows teachers to address the individual needs of students, focusing on specific reading skills and strategies to help them become proficient and confident readers.
Here are the key components of guided reading:
Small Group Instruction:
Guided reading typically involves the teacher working with a small group of students, usually ranging from three to six, who are at a similar reading level. This small group setting allows for more personalized instruction and targeted support.
Text Selection:
Teachers select books that are at an appropriate reading level for each group of students. The chosen texts should provide a manageable challenge for the students, allowing them to apply and reinforce their reading skills while still being able to comprehend the material.
Introduction and Pre-Reading Activities:
Before reading the text, the teacher introduces the book, discusses the title, cover, and any relevant background information. Pre-reading activities may include activating prior knowledge, making predictions, or setting purposes for reading.
Guided Reading Session:
During the guided reading session, students read the selected text independently or in a whisper voice. The teacher observes, supports, and provides guidance as needed. The focus is on applying specific reading strategies, such as decoding unfamiliar words, making connections, and understanding the meaning of the text.
Discussion and Comprehension:
Following the reading, the group engages in a discussion facilitated by the teacher. This discussion aims to deepen students’ comprehension, promote critical thinking, and allow them to share their thoughts and interpretations of the text.
Skill Instruction:
Throughout the lesson, the teacher explicitly teaches and reinforces specific reading skills and strategies. This may include phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension strategies tailored to the needs of the group.
Assessment and Monitoring:
Guided reading provides an opportunity for ongoing assessment. Teachers monitor students’ progress, identify areas for growth, and use this information to plan future guided reading sessions and provide additional support as needed.
Needless to say, it’s important!
If you are looking for a guided reading activity that your students will enjoy and be fully engaged in, you’re in the right place.
I created this Guided Reading Mega Bundle Resource to make guided reading a breeze!
Check out this Mega Bundle for year-long instruction and activities! Get all 5 (Comprehension, Vocabulary, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, and Fluency) year-long programs bundled in one easy-to-purchase download for a huge savings!
Pick and choose what you want to use for review, extended activities, homework, and early finishers, or use the step-by-step suggested plans for each yearlong resource. 5 year-long resources are included in each area!
View each resource included in this Mega Reading Bundle!
This is made specifically for K-1 students, but great to use as an intervention program for 2nd-3rd grade struggling readers when you need to fill in the reading gaps.
❀Reading Comprehension Year-long Program
❀Vocabulary Kindergarten – 3rd YEAR-LONG Reading Blocks Program
❀Phonics Systematic Year-long Program
❀Phonemic Awareness Year-long Program with Activities and Games
BONUS: Reading Posters Set
You will find:
- Assessments
- Posters
- Engaging Activities
- Readers Theater
- Oral Fluency Assessments
- Mini Books
- Suggested Weekly Lesson Plans for each Program (If you are using them all at the same time, I was able to hit all 5 areas in a 90-minute block with centers.)
- You can pick your own favorite trade books to complement the lessons.
What are your favorite ways to teach this subject? Let me know in the comments!
For more reading activities, check out my post here!