The Next Step Forward in Guided Reading

This was a helpful book for me as a reading specialist working with small groups of kids K-3 who are below benchmark for 30 minutes a day. I was able to apply the PreA lessons to a first grader who came to school knowing 3 letter names and zero letter sounds. In 8 weeks she knew 23 letters and sounds. I had to add tracing the alphabet to our time together instead of having someone else do it at a different time and I added the letter sound to the tracing part of the lesson. I also added sight word instruction as well. It was a jam packed 30 minutes which often spilled over into the next day, but it worked! I really like that the instruction at this level still pulls in book to read and sentence instruction on a daily basis. Prior to this I had used Fundations for students at this level and there were no books involved in that instruction and very little sentence composition. I am lucky to have a resource book room full of leveled books in order to complete these lessons as well. I also used the A-C and D-I lesson plans. The comprehension modules are really great--not overwhelming to the teacher or student and easily applicable to your lessons. I also like that they are writing sight words--although I have found it hard to fit this into the lessons on a daily basis because of transitions with the material needed. I love the writing journal for my first graders. The practice area at the top is wonderful for segmenting sounds and practicing letter formation. I do find it time consuming to draw the boxes for segmenting words, so I have begun to predraw those for words I know the kids will need help with so I am not spending that time in group. I also supply them with their "given" words I don't expect them to segment in that area as well. I am still wrapping my head around the phonics part. I bought the companion phonics book and a few days ago I received the word sort cards I also ordered. I will tackle that part of the lessons in the coming months to see what I think, but for now I am using my phonics instruction from prior years. Overall, this was one of the most helpful books I have ever purchased for reading instruction. It takes you step-by-step through what you need to do and it really provides all you need for a great framework for your reading instruction for an unbeatable price. I almost forgot to mention that there are really helpful videos you have access to after you purchase. Several videos for each level of lessons is provided. I found them really valuable.

I picked up this book with reluctance at the recommendation of "another" PD book that was "recommended" for some literacy intervention we are going to be piloting next year. I may or may not even be at that school next year, so I was pretty reluctant to buy another book to sit on my shelf. So it sat in my cart for months... Bought it on impulse one day and it sat on my dining room table for another few weeks. I randomly picked it up this week and flipped through it on the couch, and before I knew it I had highlighters, sticky notes, and notes in the margins everywhere. I could NOT put it down. I love literacy and have a passion for teaching reading. I've taught guided reading groups successfully for years, but this was such a great perspective, great, easy-to-implement ideas, and I have so many NEW ideas to try this year. I still have a few weeks of summer, but I feel a renewed excitement for guided reading (which I didn't even know was possible). I'm SO glad I bought this book. It will not sit on a shelf collecting dust, I know it will be a great resource for me and never far from my horseshoe table all year long! If you're on the fence, buy this book!

This book is worth every penny. It's practical, thorough, and is loaded with wonderful resources, including many online. Guided reading can be done many different ways. I've been a teacher for many years and am always amazed how guided reading, the heart of a balanced literacy program, is organized by different teachers. Yet, Richardson's approach is systematic with sight words, word study, and of course, meaningful reading. She demonstrates exactly how to do lessons in online videos. For me, the difficult thing was planning lessons for 3 groups each day that (1) only last 20 minutes each, and (2) do the job of teaching children how to build meaning from texts. Her methods streamline planning and make assessments easy to perform and manage each day. Since it's such a helpful guide, I've referred to it often when planning. It's not all theory like many other books out there. I promise that you will be able to use this book and it's tips immediately in your classroom for the benefit of your readers.

This is a great resource for developing lessons for small group instruction and intervention. I like how it correlates with the reading levels. The lesson plan incorporates phonics, sight words, reading comprehension and writing. I really like the teaching points for each level because it allows me to know what skills are appropriate to teach at each level.

This book was exactly what I needed—quick, clear, and packed with useful information. It’s written in an easy-to-understand style and didn’t feel overwhelming or too dense. Great for anyone looking to learn something new without spending hours reading. Highly recommend for a fast, informative read!

I needed this book for an early childhood education class. Good price and very insightful. Would recommend for any teacher or student studying the field.

This book has been such a great resource for my guided reading groups. I can’t say enough good things about it. It also really helped me as I studied for my National Boards test (Early/ Middle Literacy) With a class ranging from beginning readers to above level fluent readers, it made planning reading groups so much more intentional and valuable in my fourth grade classroom. I cannot say enough good about this resource.

This is a must have for any teacher who does guided reading. Dr. Richardson is absolutely spot on with instruction, skills and what every kiddo needs to help them grow as readers. I don't go anywhere without it. Packed full of information and support! If you have questions I am more than happy to answer anything to help you on your path to literacy! My results (data) on student success has been off the charts!

This book matches so well with teachers who are working from literacy processing theory. The lesson plan templates are a great way for you to keep track of those things that you are intentionally teaching while working from continuous text in reading and writing. The video clips have been especially helpful when working with teachers.

Me encanta este libro.

Esse livro traz um repertório completo de como leitura guiada deve acontecer. Ele tem planos de aulas completos e recursos para download no site do(a) autor(a). Não lembro agora o nome pois comprei faz pouco tempo que comecei a ler. Muitas ideias incríveis e todas baseadas nas melhores práticas comprovadas em pesquisas na área de letramento em língua inglesa. Sem dúvida, uma excelente opção para quem trabalha nas escolas Maple Bear no Brasil.

Lots of great ideas for teachers

My teacher assistant and I both used this in the classroom to individualize for students. Now my daughter and I are using it for a child who is being homeschooled due to health conditions. The best resource I have found for young children so that no child falls behind!!!