Guided reading is a powerful instructional approach that supports young readers in developing strategic reading skills. It involves a small group setting where a teacher guides students as they individually read a carefully selected text at their instructional reading level. This article will explore How To Plan A Guided Reading Lesson, including the critical steps and considerations for effective implementation.
Guided reading is an invaluable instructional context because it:
- Helps readers expand their processing competencies by building in-the-head systems of strategic actions.
- Provides a context for responsive teaching, which is grounded in a teacher’s detailed knowledge of each student.
- Allows students to engage with diverse and interesting texts.
- Helps students learn to think like proficient readers.
- Enables students to read more challenging texts with support.
“In guided reading, you meet students where they are and lead them forward with intention and precision.” –Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell
So, what exactly goes into planning an effective guided reading lesson? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Gather Information About the Readers to Identify Emphases
Before you even select a book, it’s crucial to understand your students’ needs. What reading strategies do they already use effectively? Where are they struggling? This information will inform your teaching points during the lesson. Observe students during independent reading, review their reading records, and consider their overall reading development. This initial assessment will allow you to provide targeted support.
2. Select and Analyze Texts to Use
The key to successful guided reading lies in selecting texts at the appropriate instructional level for the group. The text should be challenging enough to provide opportunities for strategic problem-solving, but not so difficult that it leads to frustration. Analyze the text ahead of time, noting potential challenges such as unfamiliar vocabulary, complex sentence structures, or abstract concepts. Also, consider the text’s potential for teaching specific reading strategies.
3. Introduce the Text
The introduction sets the stage for successful reading. Prepare students for what they will encounter in the text. Activate prior knowledge by discussing related topics or experiences. Introduce key vocabulary words and discuss their meanings. Briefly preview the text structure and any unique features. Set a purpose for reading, such as focusing on a particular character trait or theme. This pre-reading discussion should be brief but engaging, piquing students’ interest and preparing them to tackle the text.
4. Observe Children as They Read the Text Individually (Support if Needed)
During the independent reading portion, students read the text silently or softly. As they read, observe their reading behaviors closely. Are they using effective strategies to decode unfamiliar words? Are they monitoring their comprehension? Note any struggles or misconceptions you observe. Offer support as needed, but avoid interrupting their reading unless necessary. Encourage students to use the strategies they have been taught to problem-solve independently.
5. Invite Children to Discuss the Meaning of the Text
After reading, facilitate a discussion about the text. Ask open-ended questions that encourage students to share their understanding and interpretations. Focus on key events, characters, themes, and vocabulary. Encourage students to support their answers with evidence from the text. This discussion provides valuable insights into students’ comprehension and allows you to address any lingering misconceptions.
6. Make One or Two Teaching Points
Based on your observations during reading and the subsequent discussion, identify one or two key teaching points to address. These should be targeted to the specific needs of the group. For example, if students struggled with decoding multi-syllable words, you might teach them a strategy for breaking words into smaller parts. Or, if students had difficulty understanding the main idea, you might model how to identify the topic sentence and supporting details.
7. Engage Children in Letter/Word Work Activity
Extend the lesson with a focused word work activity. This activity should reinforce the teaching points and provide students with opportunities to practice applying new skills. For example, if you taught a decoding strategy, you might have students practice decoding words with similar patterns. Or, if you focused on vocabulary development, you might have students use the new words in sentences or create a word map.
8. Extend Understanding Through Writing About Reading (Optional)
Depending on the time and the focus of the lesson, you might extend understanding through writing about reading. This could involve responding to a prompt, summarizing the text, or creating a character analysis. Writing about reading encourages students to synthesize their understanding and express their ideas in a coherent manner. It also provides you with valuable insights into their comprehension and critical thinking skills.
9. Reflect on the Lesson and Plan the Following Lesson
After each guided reading lesson, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Consider the following questions:
- Did the students engage with the text?
- Were the teaching points effective?
- Did the students make progress toward their reading goals?
Use your reflections to inform your planning for the next lesson. Continue to monitor students’ progress and adjust your instruction accordingly.
Planning a guided reading lesson requires careful consideration of your students’ needs, the selection of appropriate texts, and the implementation of effective teaching strategies. By following these steps, you can create a powerful learning experience that supports students in becoming confident and capable readers. Remember that becoming an effective teacher of guided reading takes time and effort; but the benefits are worth it. As you teach students, you will have the satisfaction of seeing them apply what you taught and expand their competencies.
