Guided Reading Book Introduction

Today we began presenting our group projects to the class. One of the main ideas I took away from this session is the importance of the book introduction in a guided reading lesson. It is in this part of the lesson that appropriate support is provided to ensure successful processing of the text. Chapter 24 of Comprehending and Fluency focuses on guided reading. "Introducing the text" begins on p. 374 and several transcripts of book introductions are included. Keep in mind that teachers should refer to the Continuum when planning book introductions (and guided reading lessons). Locate the pages for the book level you are working with and choose goals that allow thinking within, beyond and about the text. These behaviors are actions that students should master before moving on to the next level. Mastery means you as the teacher see evidence of these behaviors when you listen to the child read.