Guided reading is a component of balanced literacy that has specific instructional, diagnostic and evaluative intent. It supports the development of strategies for independence in reading within a small group (usually 4 to 6). Each child has a copy of the selection from a set of leveled books at that group's instructional level. The students are grouped according to similar levels with these groups remaining flexible and ever changing. Guided Reading provides children with opportunities to problem solve and use reading strategies while reading for meaning. There are great advantages in working with a small group, with each child holding their own text. This allows the teacher to monitor the reading process of each child, provide feedback and instructional guidance and give the readers an opportunity to ask questions and respond orally to the text. In addition, the teacher may extend the learning from that text through written response. Guided reading encourages and supports students becoming fluent, established readers. Learning how to read and reading to learn are the goals.
