What is the goal of guided reading?

The goal of guided reading is to offer differentiated teaching to support students' reading proficiency. This approach acknowledges that students are at various levels of reading ability and tailors instruction to meet their specific needs. During guided reading sessions, small groups of students work with an instructor to read texts that are appropriate for their individual reading levels, allowing for targeted support and feedback. This method encourages students to develop their skills at their own pace while providing the teacher the opportunity to guide them through strategies that enhance comprehension, vocabulary, and overall fluency.

The focus on differentiated instruction is key, as it enables educators to adjust their teaching methods based on students' strengths and weaknesses, fostering a more effective learning environment. This approach contrasts with standardized assessments, which aim to measure performance uniformly rather than cater to individual needs. Additionally, while discussing large reading groups may facilitate collaborative learning, it does not offer the personalized attention that guided reading emphasizes. Ultimately, guided reading is designed specifically to improve reading proficiency through tailored and strategic instruction.