Guided Reading for Levels J and Up

At about level J/K, students should have many of the the observable, within the text behaviors under control. The reading portion of a guided reading lesson should shift to silent reading at this stage. The teacher should introduce the text, keeping the specific students in mind for an appropriate level of support. While children read silently, the teacher can go to another table and meet with another group. The teacher would return to the original group to discuss the text, provide strategy instruction and word work, if necessary. Emphasis should be placed on silent reading and processing beyond and about the text from this level on. The teacher will have an opportunity to hear students read while taking running records, but the teacher doesn't need to listen to every child read each time they meet.