This past week went really well. We continued to work on reading dramas during our guided reading time and I think the kids enjoyed it as well. They really got into choosing which characters they would read and even asked to be more than one character! Again, just more proof that the kids enjoy guided reading.
One reason that I think my kids enjoy guided reading is the level of support that they feel when they come to the guided reading table. Each group is divided by level. I only pull books according to that group's instructional level. Therefore, they aren't having to read materials that are too hard, or too easy. They read "just right" books. In addition, there is no judgement between the student as they read. Since they are grouped according to level, the students in each group reads about the same. Therefore, no one is embarrasesed by their inability to read. The students also support and encourage one another. For example, I have one student who is considerably lower than all of the rest of my students. He doesn't really belong with the group that I placed him in, but I placed him in the lowest level group that I have in that class. There are three girls in this group with this little boy. Those three girls are so supportive of him. Each time that he reads they tell him what a great job he did or comment on something specific that impressed them about his reading. This is just one of the reasons why I love guided reading so much.
Another thing that I've been thinking about quite often is the integration of technology into guided reading. I have some ideas to share with you and will be creating a page specifically to give teachers ideas for using technology during guided reading. However, you should be aware that most of the ideas that I will share are things that students can use while I am working with guided reading groups. There isn't much that can be done with regard to technology when listening to students read.
Today I tried to video some guided reading groups, as well as students who were working independently on their daily five activities. I must say that I'm not quite sure yet how the videos will turn out. I didn't realize just how noisy my students were during this time until you really need them to be quiet. :-) They really aren't that loud during class...it's really a manageable noise level. I think it just seemed amplified because I was trying to video tape the lessons and wanted you to be able to hear what was being said. I haven't looked at the footage yet, but know that some editing will need to be done before posting it here for you to view.
One reason that I think my kids enjoy guided reading is the level of support that they feel when they come to the guided reading table. Each group is divided by level. I only pull books according to that group's instructional level. Therefore, they aren't having to read materials that are too hard, or too easy. They read "just right" books. In addition, there is no judgement between the student as they read. Since they are grouped according to level, the students in each group reads about the same. Therefore, no one is embarrasesed by their inability to read. The students also support and encourage one another. For example, I have one student who is considerably lower than all of the rest of my students. He doesn't really belong with the group that I placed him in, but I placed him in the lowest level group that I have in that class. There are three girls in this group with this little boy. Those three girls are so supportive of him. Each time that he reads they tell him what a great job he did or comment on something specific that impressed them about his reading. This is just one of the reasons why I love guided reading so much.
Another thing that I've been thinking about quite often is the integration of technology into guided reading. I have some ideas to share with you and will be creating a page specifically to give teachers ideas for using technology during guided reading. However, you should be aware that most of the ideas that I will share are things that students can use while I am working with guided reading groups. There isn't much that can be done with regard to technology when listening to students read.
Today I tried to video some guided reading groups, as well as students who were working independently on their daily five activities. I must say that I'm not quite sure yet how the videos will turn out. I didn't realize just how noisy my students were during this time until you really need them to be quiet. :-) They really aren't that loud during class...it's really a manageable noise level. I think it just seemed amplified because I was trying to video tape the lessons and wanted you to be able to hear what was being said. I haven't looked at the footage yet, but know that some editing will need to be done before posting it here for you to view.
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