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Reading
By Debbie

Hi all,
Just want to clarify what I see as the differences between 4 blocks (as I've read-haven't tried all 4, just the word work) vs Guided Reading. In 4 blocks, children are all reading the same thing, on three days
they read something at the average GL and on the other two, they read something below GL).
Yes, guided reading is with homogeneous groupings but the groupings are dynamic; meaning they change often based upon what each child has taken on in strategies from your shared/guided group lessons...In addition to giving a sample schedule, and strategy lessons, etc., the authors share meaningful

activities in reading and writing for the children to engage in while the teacher works with small groups. You will need to take at least a few weeks to model what the routines are for each activity before attempting to pull your small groups. Because the activities are open ended, and similar each week, the children in the room are extending their literacy independently, while you work with a group. There are several companion books, Word Matters, and Interactive Writing to complete your literacy block...definitely valuable resources...and post or email for additional support. ;-D