Glossary

Guided Reading: The teacher works with a small group of students (usually two to six). The groupings are flexible; children come in and out of groups based on common needs to learn specific skills, explore curriculum connections, and/or share interests. There is a specific purpose and teaching element for each lesson (a mini-lesson) and there is the opportunity to discuss and practice reading and rereading. The teacher introduces and selects text that is at an instructional level. The students read the text to themselves. The teacher supports the students both during and after the reading. Guided reading assumes: multiple copies of a text; new, unseen text; type and amount of teacher guidance depends on the developmental and reading level of the group; consistent and on-going monitoring, assessment and evaluation is built into the process; goal is to help students learn the reading strategies to decode and construct meaning, going beyond literal interpretation.

 

Independent Reading: Independent reading does not mean that the children are reading alone, quietly, as in silent reading. Independent reading involves materials at their independent reading levels so that the children can focus on developing fluency and phrasing for comprehension. Students read on their own, or with a partner, choosing from a wide range of materials, genres. Students know where they can find easy books and how to choose them.
 

Read Aloud (Think Aloud) Reading: The teacher chooses a book to read aloud to students. The teacher models what good readers do, what good readers are thinking as they read, and how they use strategies. This is an opportunity to use some of the best literature, which may be too challenging for the children to read themselves. It is also an opportunity to do some explicit teaching. Whole class and small group settings work well.
 

Shared Reading: The teacher involves students in reading together. For example, in early grade levels, shared reading and rereading often involves enlarged text, big books, and charts such as language experience and interactive writing. Choral reading allows students to practice phrasing and fluency. Whole class and small group settings work well.