Guided Reading

....guiding students into successful reading habits

by Carla Christensen

September 08, 2005

"The Beginning of Lifelong Learning" is the Mo. Valley Elementary motto, and one of the best ways to create lifelong learners is to help students become successful readers and writers.
Guided Reading is one way to ensure all students are given the opportunity to continue to grow as readers and writers. This article is designed to help parents, guardians and community members develop a greater understanding of how Guided Reading operates. Currently Guided Reading is implemented K-2, with implementation for grades 3-5 happening in the near future.
Rachel Janssen and Carla Christensen (Elementary Reading Specialists/Title I Reading), began researching Guided Reading during their Reading Recovery training and, with the help of administration, began implementing in 1st grade about 5 years ago. The data research has shown Guided Reading to be very beneficial to individual student growth.
The key to Guided Reading is working with small groups of readers (4-6 students) who have similar abilities. While the teacher is "guiding" the small group through reading skills, new books and writing the remaining students are working in pairs or individually at independent work stations.

writing station with 2nd grade

Mrs. Janssen and Mrs. C. have helped teachers create work stations that enhance student learning and are easily managed. Examples of work stations are: listening station (listening to stories on tape), spelling station (creative ways to practice spelling words), writing station (students practice handwriting, journal ideas, poetry), ABC station (practice ABC order, dictionary skills, word wall activities).
Another key element to Guided Reading is the flexibility of the groups. Groups are constantly being informally assessed and moved based on skills they have acquired and skills they need to continue to develop. The text or books that groups are given are carefully chosen by their teacher based on skills students need to master. These skills are in compliance with MV Schools standards and benchmarks. Currently teachers have over 10,000 leveled Guided Reading books to choose from. The Guided Reading library is housed in Mrs. C. and Mrs. Janssen's room.