Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about Guided Reading instruction.

What is Guided Reading? 

Guided reading is a strategy that helps students become good readers.  The teacher provides support for small groups of readers as they learn to use various reading strategies (context clues, letter and sound relationships, word structure, and so forth).  When the proper books are selected, students are able to read with greater accuracy.  This enables the students to enjoy the story because there is not an overwhelming amount of "road blocks" that interfere with comprehension.  Students focus on the meaning of the story and application of various reading strategies to problem solve when they do hit a road block in their reading ability. 

Why small group instruction?

By providing small groups of students, the students have the opportunity to learn various reading strategies with guidance from the teacher. They will possess the skills and knowledge required to read increasingly more difficult texts on their own.  Independent reading in the GOAL.  Students have the courage and confidence to read aloud with a smaller number of peers and ones that are on the same reading level.  When small groups are used for instruction, success is promoted.

How does the teacher determine a child's reading level?

This school year second graders will be assessed on oral reading fluency using a DRA reading assessment tool.  The teacher will ask the child to read a selected passage and based on their time and accuracy the teacher will determine each child's instructional reading level.  Then, small groups are formed for our guided reading meeting throughout the week.  Second graders will also be benchmarked each nine-weeks to ensure progress and on grade-level performance. 

What are literacy centers?

While the teacher is working with a small group of students, the remaining classroom students will complete independent assignments and/or reading at their desk.  Upon completion, students will go to a literacy center with a small group of heterogenously grouped students.  There will be a wide selection of file folder games, reading opportunities, overhead activities, computer games, research opportunities, smart board reviews, etc.  The key to this time is to REVIEW something that has already been taught during whole group instruction time.  This engaged learning experience allows for peers to instruct and "teach" each other about material that has already been introduced.  For the most part, this written work is not graded.  Although the teacher will check the quality of work and the need for accuracy.  Students are responsible for completing literacy center work.  Second graders are gaining responsibility and becoming independent learners and fluent readers.