Introducing the Book

Guided Reading groups of beginning readers generally begin with a book introduction which includes a picture walk. The teacher sets a purpose for children to read the book and connects the students’ background knowledge and experiences with the text. The teacher explains what strategy will be focused on for the lesson. At this time key vocabulary will also be introduced in the context of the story.

Reading the Book

Goals for reading are set and the students begin to read. The students read the text independently and softly to themselves (whisper read.) As the students read, the teacher circulates to hear each child whisper read, checking fluency and coaching students to use reading strategies. More advanced students may read silently as the teacher listens to each reader individually. Anecdotal notes on each reader can be gathered at this time.

After Reading

At this time teacher and students return to the text as a group to discuss and clarify understandings, do some word work, or review reading strategies. Students can respond to the text in a variety of ways both within the group and during independent time.