Planning

Guided Reading groups typically comprise 4 to 6 students. Groups are determined by need and reading level. The structure of the guided reading session is similar to that of the workshop. A Guided Reading session begins with direct instruction (mini-lesson); it is followed by independent practice and concludes with time to share.

Guided Reading topics fit into one of 4 general categories:

• Reading Skills
• Reading Strategies
• Reading Concepts and
• Vocabulary

Planning Guided Reading Sessions

• The first step in planning a Guided Reading session is to think about your students. What are their reading levels? Which students can you bring together to address similar needs?

• Once you have a group in mind, prioritize. You are not going to address all the needs your students have in one Guided Reading session. Decide what you are going to use this Guided Reading session to teach.

• Select a text that will help you teach the identified skill.  The text should be at or slightly higher than the students’ reading level. 

Planning Page