Guided reading is an instructional strategy where students are placed in small groups according to their reading level. This strategy helps students learn how to apply independent reading strategies through explicit instruction and guided support. The goal of guided reading is to help students read beyond their current independent reading level and be able to read any text placed before them.

When you begin guided reading, you should know each child’s reading ability so you can create groups of students with similar reading skills. Groups typically consist of no more than six students. Since students in each group share some of the same reading strengths and weaknesses, they learn in a secure environment where each child is in need of the same skill.

You must also select a text for everyone in the group to read. Choose something that relates to their interests and abilities. Students should be able to read the text independently, yet you don’t want it to be too challenging or too easy.

Before beginning to read the text, introduce it to students. Let them know more about the topic but don’t give away key ideas or details. You want students to glean the information while reading; you also want to pique their interest.

As you continue to introduce the text, give each student a copy. You can ask students to make connections with the text by discussing background knowledge. If the text has any unusual language or format, this is a good time to explain what the students will encounter while reading.

Review the types of questions readers ask while reading. Developing this skill helps students read on their own on a deeper level. Some of the questions could be: What do you think will happen next? Does the main character in the story remind you of someone you know? Have you ever been in the same situation? What is the author’s purpose?

When it is time to begin reading, allow for 20-minute sessions. Students will read on their own, and you will be able to scaffold lessons to improve reading skills. This is not the time for reading aloud. Guided reading supports independent reading where the teacher coaches, prompts and confirms reading strategies. Some reading strategy lessons center on: making predictions, connecting to one’s own experiences, recalling important details, summarizing text, and utilizing context clues to define vocabulary.

The layout of the classroom is best when groups have plenty of space. Although students read silently, you will meet with each group individually, so you don’t want your voice to distract others from reading. Groups usually meet on a daily basis. However, since the typical time frame for reading is 20 minutes, you may not have time to meet with each group every day.

You can also set up the classroom with reading stations. Reading stations require students to focus on a particular skill. For example, an area of the classroom could be for vocabulary. At this station, students would focus on defining difficult words through context clues. Another station could be about predictions. At this station, students would focus on what they think will happen next in the text. They would explain their reasons as to why their predictions are possible.

Along with scaffolding lessons, you must also observe students reading. During observations consider how the student approaches a difficult section of the text. Keep anecdotal notes for each student. These notes allow you to see how each student is progressing with each reading skill.

Guided reading is a strategy that empowers students to read independently and utilize the appropriate strategies so that text is meaningful.