How does guided reading support students’ reading development?

Guided reading effectively supports students’ reading development by involving small groups where teachers can provide targeted instruction tailored to the individual reading levels of students. This approach allows the educator to observe and assess each student's reading abilities and challenges in real time. By grouping students with similar needs, teachers can design lessons that focus on specific skills, such as comprehension strategies, decoding techniques, and text analysis.

Additionally, guided reading fosters a supportive learning environment where students can engage in discussions about the text, practice strategies in a safe setting, and receive immediate feedback from their teacher. This type of targeted support helps to build a strong foundation in literacy and encourages students to develop independence in their reading. Overall, guided reading is a dynamic instructional strategy that is responsive to each student's unique needs, leading to enhanced reading development.