K-5 Guided Reading Reminder

Over the past month there has been discussion on the use and requirement of Guided Reading.  Guided Reading is an essential part of Balanced Literacy.  Guided Reading is a required part of your instruction through balanced literacy in ELA.  Guided Reading may look differently from classroom to classroom and based on student needs.  You must use small group reading or reading conferences in your classroom but the groups can be determined in various ways.  Guided Reading can be defined traditionally as the Fountas and Pinnell reading level groups and that is not required but each classroom needs to be grouping and instructing students in a guided format through conferences, workshops or small groups.  These can be guided by skills, reading levels and/or interest.  I hope this clarification helps you plan instruction and next steps in learning