To determine groups for Guided Reading, the teacher must be aware of each reader's progress as determined by individual running record analysis. The running records and teacher observations during reading and writing provide specific indicators by which teachers record student progress. However, students are not expected to demonstrate each indicator in the beginning stages of each level or with each book. Students apply reading skills and strategies as they have multiple opportunities to read a wide variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction. There are many benefits for both the student and teacher in conducting Guided Reading.
Students develop as individual readers while being involved in a supported activity.
Individual readers have the opportunity to develop and use reading strategies so they can read progressively difficult texts independently. Students experience success in reading for meaning. Students learn how to problem solve with new text independently. Teachers observe individual students as they problem solve new texts. Teachers assess individual students using running records before or after the group.