Understanding and Planning Guided Reading in the Intermediate Grades

“The aim of guided reading is to develop independent readers who question, consider alternatives, and make informed choices as they seek meaning.”

-

What does it mean to “read” a text?

Identify and understand the important information

Connect personally React to the text emotionallyDerive the author’s precise meaningReproduce the author’s intended syntax and

phrasing Incorporate meaning in text to your own

knowledgeMake inferences

Rationale for Guided Reading

To meet the varying instructional needs

To expand their reading powersTo challenge and supportTo learn how to overcome difficultiesTo demonstrate howTo engross them in reading

The Role of Guided Reading

One one part; CriticalReading Workshop

• Independent• Guided• Literature Study

Similar reading behaviorsFine tune the needs of the group

Working in the “Learning Zone”

What the learner can do independently

Learning Zone

What the learner can do with the support of an expert

Overview

Designed to learn how to process a variety of texts

Small group Teacher selects textEngaged in discussionTeaching pointExtension

In Summary

New opportunity to become better readers

Highly focused instructional segment

Teach them how to process text Before, during, after One book may last 3+ days

Planning for Guided Reading

Basic MaterialsPlanningLesson FrequencyNumber of TextsClassroom Management

A Framework for Guided Reading

Selecting the TextIntroducing the Text to StudentsReading the TextDiscussing & Revisiting the TextTeaching for Processing StrategiesExtending Understanding (Optional)Word Work (Optional)

Basic Materials

Table Small whiteboards Dry-erase markers Magnetic letters Sticky notes Pencils Book sets Easel Story maps or webs Journals

ACCESSABILITY

Lesson Frequency

Create a system where you meet regularly

Lower achieving groups need more guidance• Daily

Higher achieving groups can do more on their own (Check-In)

Plan in weeklong chunks

Selecting the Text

Based on 3 kinds of knowledge• Detailed info on the readers in the group

• Strengths & weaknesses

• Familiarity with the available texts• Slightly more difficult than independent

reading

• Knowledge of the reading process & general principles of reading development

Number of Texts

One book for guided One book for independent reading

USE CAUTIONInstead:Use short textsText in guided reading can be used

for independent

Classroom Management

A Good Management system is a prerequisite for guided reading

Reading self-selected or assigned texts independently

Writing in response journalsReading texts for literature studyComplete assigned tasks related to guided

reading instructionWork StationsTeach routines: Demonstration, Practice,

Feedback

Planning

Refer to notes on studentsRefer to running recordsRead book with your readers in

mindPlan introductionMaterials are organizedReflect on lesson

Components of a Lesson

Introducing the Text to StudentsReading the TextDiscussing & Revisiting the TextTeaching for Processing StrategiesExtending Understanding

(Optional)Word Work (Optional)

Advantages

Allows for better planning and efficiency

Helps students know what to expectInternalize a way of working together

and can focus on textProvides for different kinds of learning

in different waysCreates a solid base from which to

build comprehension

Seeing the Lesson as a Whole

All teaching in a guided reading lesson is directed toward

helping children develop a system of strategies they can

use to construct meaning while reading.

Attitude is everything!

Essential Elements of Guided Reading

Teacher’s Role vs. Students’ Role• Before• During • After

Fast paced & productive

Self-Assessment for Teaching Guided Reading

Think about where you are in the process.

Eight Dimensions of Guided Reading Self Check

What resources and support do you need?

Suggestions for Professional Development

Summarize what you have learned in this meeting that will change your teaching in guided reading.

Set goals for the next couple of weeks. Brainstorm how I or others on your team can help you achieve your goals.

Continue your self-evaluation.