Phenomenal Instruction: Targeted Guided Reading
Resource: Raz Kids or Self-Selected Picture Book
Primary Use: Below-Level Readers
Introduction: Guided Reading is a key part of any literacy block. It doesn’t matter if you follow the “Science of Reading” or “The Reader’s Workshop” model–especially at the Primary Level, which is K-2 for the novices.
As I gained more knowledge about the structure, I developed something that I called “Targeted Guided Reading.”
It’s targeted because scholars learn and reinforce all the skills that they need during the cycle.
Day 1: Vocabulary
Technique: Vocab Trailers
On this day, neither the students, nor I read the book. I pre-teach key vocabulary words with “Vocab Trailers”, which is a core component of my “Phenomenal Word Power.” Instead of using words based around a pattern or sound, I use Tier 2 or Tier 3 words from the book.
Here’s an example.
Word: Panic
In this picture…
I supply the kids with the word and stem, then they use it in a sentence.
To assess mastery, I write whether the child can do so without assistance.
Day 2: Fluency
Technique: Stop At The Punctuation Mark
Building on the kids’ newly acquired vocabulary, I work on their fluency on Day 2. Before having them read the book, though, I teach the students how to sound out(decode) the key words, which embeds that phonics instruction.
After pre-teaching those words, the kids rotate reading by page. As they read, I note if they’re mastery of the weekly skill, which I’ll say is “Stop At The Punctuation Mark” for the sake of this article.
While they’re reading, you can do a running record to track how their accuracy, rate, expression and prosody are developing.
Day 3: Comprehension
Focus Skill: Elements of Plot
Now that the kids have read the book once, you can focus on comprehension. I like to start with the “elements of plot”, which informs understanding of all other fiction concepts.
To support them in learning that weekly comprehension skill, give them a set of questions. For example…
Setting: What is the setting(location) of the story?
Problem: What is the problem(going wrong) in the story?
Main Events: After you’ve helped them identify the problem, you tell them that the events that follow will help them solve the problem.
Solution: What is the solution in the story or how did the characters solve the problem? (Kids will usually confuse the climax with the solution. This is your time to correct that misconception.)
To assess, you write if the students were able to identify the setting, problem, main events and solution without assistance.
Day 4: Assessment
Focus: Quiz
Finishing the cycle, you’ll give the kids a 5 question quiz. I use “Raz Kids” books, so I give them one of their pre-made quizzes. If you don’t have access to that resource, you can write your own questions.
While the below-level readers are taking their quiz, it’s a perfect time to pull the above-level readers for “Closed Reading.”
Conclusion: Targeted Guided Reading is deliberate and specific to what scholars need and incorporates four of the five components of the Science of Reading: phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. It doesn’t reinvent or recreate the wheel but it does ensure it runs smoother.
Up Next: Phenomenal Instruction(Closed Reading)
Be Phenomenal, Mr. Short
*Attached Below is a sample template.
The Phenomenal Student 