What is guided reading?

Guided reading is primarily defined as a strategy where teachers support small groups in reading texts at their instructional level. This approach allows educators to target the specific needs of students as they read, providing personalized instruction that helps enhance comprehension and fluency skills. In guided reading sessions, the teacher selects books that are appropriately challenging for each small group, enabling students to engage with the material in a supportive environment.

Through guided reading, teachers can demonstrate strategies for decoding unfamiliar words, discuss the content of the text, and foster critical thinking skills. This method contrasts with full class readings or silent reading practices where students may not receive the same level of individualized support tailored to their specific reading abilities. It’s also distinct from peer-teaching approaches since guided reading emphasizes the direct instructional role of the teacher in assessing and guiding the students' reading processes.