Struggling Readers

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Struggling Readers
By Amy

I understand your frustration having 33 students! What state do you teach in? If you have to choose between Guided Reading and Round Robin Reading, think about it this way: Would it be best to really help just some of
my readers who are struggling or help none of them?
What I would do (and I am by no means an expert!) would be to set up literature circles with all students (let them choose the titles if possible)and set up guided reading groups with my lowest readers, using leveled text. Meet with these students while the others are meeting with literature circles.
If necessary, have a

tape recorder for each lit. circle and choose one tape randomly each day to listen to on the way home. This way students know you may be listening to their conversation!
If you can't meet with your guided reading groups every day (it's impossible for me), don't alter the days you meet with each group. For example, meet with the same group on Mon., Tues., and Wed., and the other group on Thurs. and Fri. I read this in Guiding Readers and Writers and it makes a lot of sense and I get more out of my students.
Also, turn Social Studies and Science lessons into guided reading lessons. Being able to read and understand these texts is an important life long skill.
Hope this helps!
Amy