Maggie- I would recommend that you spend time selecting texts appropriately for guided reading groups. Too often teachers just quickly pick something because it's the "right level" but it isn't really a great book for teaching specific strategies to a group of kids, or it's not interesting to the kids. You need to know your kids and you need to know the books well in order to make the most out of guided reading group times. I decide on my lessons pretty much on a weekly basis, but I constantly adjust my plans according to the needs of the students. In addition, the kids groups are constantly changing which always keeps me on my toes.
As for getting to see everyone, MAKE A SCHEDULE! That's the only way to do it and to guarantee that you are not short-changing anyone. At my school we see our lower level students 4 to 5 days a week and we see our grade level and above grade level students 2-3 times a week. It is also okay to meet with your high level kids, discuss with them what you want them to do, send them off to read and then meet up again for a brief review/discussion afterwards. It will cut down on time and you can see two lower level groups during that time. I imagine in fifth grade you can do this a lot with them. When the kids are just beginning to read you want to monitor them very closely and keep them at the table for the entire lesson. My principal says, "Fair is not always equal." Some groups of kids are going to need more time with you. That's fine. Kristin Questions for Kristin and everyone - so you don't really plan much in advance for guided reading; it's completely based on what you observe in the students? Do you pick out texts beforehand, or do you decide week to week? Finally, how do you make sure you meet with everyone enough? I teach gifted kids, and some of them are very strong readers, so I can see them getting somewhat neglected. Is it essential to meet equally with every kid?
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