Day #21

We finally have our literacy centers running smoothly and our reading groups all done up. Consequently, today was our first day of guided reading groups. The students worked out really well in their groups except for one student who already needs to be moved to a more advanced group. There are 2-4 students per group.

Mrs. Kester first did a picture walk with each group, asking the students to tell her what they thought the book might be about and if the story would be fiction of nonfiction. Then each child read the book at their own pace while she helped them decode words. The students have learned enough word attack strategies by now that all she has to do is remind them of the secret story to get their little smart wheels turning.

The students will read the same book all week long. Mrs. Kester will start to ask comprehension questions and such as the week goes on.

It was very helpful to see this done. I was able to observe her techniques and mannerisms that helped motivate her students.