Guided Reading

Guided reading is an instructional strategy designed to enhance students' reading proficiency through targeted support in small group settings (F. a. P. Team, n.d.). Guided reading is a widely used instructional approach aimed at improving students' reading skills through targeted and individualized support (Guided Reading, n.d.). In guided reading sessions, small groups of students work together with a teacher to read texts that are appropriately challenging for their reading levels. The teacher provides support and guidance as students engage with the text, focusing on developing comprehension strategies, decoding skills, vocabulary knowledge, and fluency (Guided Reading, n.d.).

Theoretical Framework

According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory (Vygotsky, 1978), guided reading aligns with the concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD). The ZPD refers to the range of tasks that a learner can perform with the guidance and support of a more knowledgeable individual, such as a teacher (Wang & Cook, 2017). In guided reading, the teacher scaffolds students' learning by providing support that is just beyond their current level of proficiency, thereby facilitating their growth as readers (Guided Reading, n.d.).

Implementation

Guided reading sessions typically involve a structured approach:

Before Reading:

Introduction: The teacher introduces the text, providing context and discussing any unfamiliar vocabulary.

Pre-reading Activities: Students may engage in activities such as predicting what the text will be about based on the title or making connections to their prior knowledge.

During Reading:

Reading Aloud: Students take turns reading sections of the text aloud.

Teacher Support: The teacher provides guidance and support as students read, offering assistance with decoding unfamiliar words, clarifying meanings, and modeling fluent reading.

Monitoring: The teacher monitors students' comprehension by asking questions, encouraging predictions, and facilitating discussions about the text.

After Reading:

Comprehension Activities: Students engage in activities to deepen their understanding of the text, such as summarizing the main ideas, identifying key details, or making inferences.

Discussion: The teacher leads a discussion about the text, prompting students to share their thoughts, questions, and reactions.

Extension Activities: Students may participate in follow-up activities, such as writing responses, creating projects related to the text, or exploring related topics. 

Watch the video for better understanding!​

(Children’s Literacy Initiative, 2018)