Guided Reading is tough… I always feel like I should be doing more no matter how much I am doing! Sometimes I think we need to just remember that we ARE doing enough as long as we are always trying to improve. I’m hoping to help make some of your Guided Reading a little easier to manage by giving some tips today!
1. Grouping for Guided Reading
I often hear, “How do I group my kids?” Don’t beat yourself up about this. You can always change what isn’t working. Every year I set my groups and I haven’t gotten it right yet. I always end up changing a few kids around and moving them. Once I have my kiddos “trained” to do Literacy Centers, then I worry about the Guided Reading part. It takes a good 6-8 weeks to get the kiddos independently working so that I can meet with groups. This is KEY! Then, I look at last years Guided Reading Benchmarks. Yep- last year- I don’t have the time and the kiddos aren’t independent enough for me to reassess at the beginning of the year. So, I look at last years benchmarks and go from there. Once I start my groups, I can get a good feel if the levels are right for that child. If the books are too easy, I move them up a level or two. If it’s too hard, I move them down. Here is a little video that shows how I use my Reading Benchmarks to form groups. I use these throughout the year when I do assess after each trimester.
2. Setting Routines
After getting the Literacy Center routines down. The first thing that I do when I meet with each group is show them what they will do when I call them to the table to read with me. First, I have them bring their “book box” to the table with them. They put it next to their seat. I then give them the book that we read together the last time we met. They read it independently as I listen in and do a running record on one of the students. If they finish before I am finished, they can read another book from their “book box”. They then keep the book that they just read and add it to their box. I keep this routine for every lesson. This eliminates the “What should I do?” question when they come to the table. I saw this Anchor Chart and thought it was great- make sure the kids know that they cannot interrupt you when you are working with a group.
I couldn’t find who originally made this chart- if you know please send me a message so that I can give you credit!
3. Organizing Materials
I keep all of my Guided Reading paperwork in a binder. I have a FREEBIE binder to share with you today. It has forms for tracking groups. I use velcro for the student names so that I can easily change my groups around as needed. Click {HERE} to get the Guided Reading Binder.
Head on over and get many other literacy tips and freebies from my friends at The Reading Crew!
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11 Comments
So true about grouping…it took my a long time to realize that it is an ongoing process and flexible!
Yes! It seems like I am always switching it up:)
Jennie
Great tips, Jennie! Getting the kids "trained" with daily routines is always time consuming but totally worth it in the end. Great post!
Julie
The Techie Teacher
Thanks Julie! I'm always really eager to get the Guided Reading started but it is best to take it slow:)
Jennie
Thank you for the great freebie!
You're welcome Bridget!
Jennie
I LOVE the poster. And thanks so much for the Guided Reading binder pages and your excellent tips.
I saw that poster a few months ago and thought it was hilarious! I'm going to have to think of something to replace the Payton Manning… I'm in Ohio so maybe I can do LaBron James…
Excellent ideas, Jennie! I love the video clips, and I too love jumping right in with group "estimates" and tweaking as you go along as you have data to support the placement. Enjoy the rest of your break. My first real day is Monday.
Thank you, Jennie. Love the poster!
Thank you, Jennie. Love the poster!