What is Guided Reading?

Guided Reading is a small group teaching structure, primarily used by our K-2 teachers. When students are ready to move up to the next reading level, teachers meet with students at similar reading levels in Guided Reading groups to scaffold their reading of a more challenging text. Teachers use the text characteristics to guide their instruction and support students in learning the skills and strategies necessary to successfully read more challenging texts. A Guided Reading lesson involves previewing vocabulary, studying the cover of the book and taking a picture walk to make predictions, teachers coaching in as students read independently and providing feedback to individual or the group of students. Guided Reading is responsive teaching at its best, as teachers may focus on decoding or phonics, comprehension or fluency, depending on what they observe as students read.