A long time ago……..
It is a very long time since I last posted on this blog. So much has happened since then. We have now become Babcock LDP as opposed to Devon LDP but our work goes on.
One of the things that I have been working on is trying to capture some teaching of reading both in guided reading and reciprocal reading. We have been working with some wonderful teachers on phonics and for some of us that has lead to guided reading. These videos exemplify the early model of guided reading, the model used up to about a 2c/b ish. Both videos can be seen on our site here.
Important elements to note are the thorough book introduction. Research suggests that children who are still focusing on decoding use the book introduction to tune into what the words might be. If chidren are ensconsed in the decoding, they will need the big picture of the book to support them.
The next element that always has someone commenting is the fact that the children are all reading at the same time, at their own pace out aloud. I have done this with a lot of guided reading groups and the children really do NOT mind. Once they get going, the pressure is taken off them and they have to problem solve EVERY word. The more you read, the better you become as a reader. This only works if you have the book at ‘instructional’ level. Generally about 1 in 10 words ( no more) to problem solve. Get going with your running records to find the right level. This independent reading develops children’s stamina/perseverance and gives a great feeling of success.
How is your guided reading going and what have you been up to?
