Before you begin guided reading, determine each pupil's reading level by conducting running records. Organize pupils with similar reading levels into groups of four to six children. Use smaller groups for pupils requiring significant support. Choose an appropriate leveled text for each group. The books should be at the groups' instructional levels. Preview the books and make sure you have a copy for each pupil as well as copies for yourself.
Plan activities to conduct with each group before they begin reading. You can discuss the title and ask pupils what they think the story is about. Also, ask questions to determine if they have prior knowledge about the subject. You may decide to have pupils preview the book by looking at the pictures. Ask them to make predictions about what happens. Determine if there is vocabulary that pupils may find challenging and plan to discuss its meaning. Collect any materials you will use during your pre-reading activities such as chart paper and markers.
Plan activities for each group to participate in when they finish reading. You can have pupils locate and discuss text features such as captions and bold print. Plan mini-lessons on punctuation, pointing out periods, commas, exclamation marks and question marks in the story. Prepare to discuss specific reading strategies pupils have been learning about, such as using context clues. Another option is to write questions that focus on pupils' comprehension of the story. To focus on fluency and expression, choose passages to have pupils practice reading aloud.
Prepare activities for the rest of the class to participate in while you work with a guided reading group. Choose appropriate books for pupils to read independently or with partners. Another option is to set up literacy centers for pupils to rotate through. Organize pupils into small groups and create a schedule for them to follow that can be posted in the room. Collect the materials needed and set up each center.