Guided Reading

Guided reading is an excellent method of teaching the reading skills needs to be successful and enjoy reading. It focuses on taking each skill needed for reading in small and focused groups. A teacher who uses this method must pay great attention to detail and be very organized with records and observations.

The teacher breaks down reading skills into every small detail. For example, phonics, fluency, reading in context and comprehension. While there are some general outlines the individual teacher determines the path and areas of focus. Reading is complex and the teacher can see which areas need the most attention.

Testing and observations are done so the teacher knows what each individual student is excelling and where some extra help is needed. Then small groups are formed where students at the same level in one area and focus on just that skill. These are very fluid groups as one student may have phonics figured out, but comprehension skills are needed in several areas. It also allows that those who excel in an area to be challenged to do more. It's great for every student and a lot of hard, but satisfying work for the teacher.

The small groups usually work on a specific task with the teacher in 15 minutes sessions. They are able to get one on one feed back as the groups are normally set at three to four students. It is not awkward for the children as they are all about the same level and everyone in the class is constantly changing and participating in different groupings.

Lets take a look at one activity that a group may work on in the comprehension sector of reading. More specifically the area of drawing conclusions. The teacher would instruct the group that the goal is drawing conclusions. They would read a number of statements together and discuss what conclusions they could draw. In an elementary stage statement may look something like this:

1. Jenna was careful to put on her hat, coat and mittens.

They may come up with conclusions like Jenna lives where it is cold. Jenna is going outside. Jenna is careful because she really doesn't want to go outside. Jenna might be going to recess.

2. Brian in by the swing set crying.

Some possible conclusion might be. Brian is hurt. Brian is bleeding. No one will let Brian have a turn. Then every group member can write a sentence and they would do the whole exercise again with the sentences they wrote.

Again guides reading is based on specific skills sets, individual feedback, and very directed activities. It makes it easy to measure successes and encourage the students.