Group Guided Reading with Target Practice Readers: Best Practices

Group guided reading is a key instructional strategy used in many classrooms to provide focused, small-group instruction. With Target Practice Readers (TPRs), group guided reading becomes even more effective, allowing teachers to tailor the reading experience to the phonics needs of each group. In this post, we’ll explore the best practices for using TPRs during group guided reading sessions and how to ensure that every student benefits.

What is Group Guided Reading? 
Group guided reading involves dividing students into small groups, usually based on similar reading abilities, and guiding them through a text. The goal is to offer differentiated instruction that meets the needs of each group, allowing students to improve their reading skills at their own pace.

Best Practices for Using TPRs in Group Guided Reading

1. Group Students by Ability: One of the main advantages of group guided reading is the ability to tailor instruction to each group’s reading level. When using TPRs, group students who are working on the same set of letter-sounds together. This allows you to focus on the same decodable book for the entire group, ensuring that each student is practicing the same phonics skills.
2. Use the Same TPR Across Groups: Don’t be afraid to use the same TPR for different groups, even if their reading levels vary slightly. TPRs are flexible enough to support students at various stages of decoding, and using the same book for multiple groups can streamline your planning while still offering differentiated support.
3. Create an Engaging Environment: Group guided reading should be an engaging and interactive experience for students. Use TPRs to encourage discussion, asking students to predict what will happen next in the story, talk about the sounds they’ve practiced, or share their favourite parts of the book. This not only enhances comprehension but also keeps students excited about reading.
4. Manage Time Effectively: Time management is crucial when working with multiple groups. Create a schedule that ensures each group gets adequate time to read and discuss the TPR, but don’t rush through the session. Focus on quality over quantity, making sure students are mastering the letter-sounds before moving on to new material.
5. Plan Meaningful Follow-Up Activities: After reading, provide students with follow-up activities that reinforce the skills they’ve practiced. Rocket Phonics TPRs come with activity sheets that can be used to further solidify phonics knowledge, as well as comprehension and fine motor skills. Incorporate these activities into your group guided reading sessions for maximum impact.

Group guided reading with Target Practice Readers offers an effective way to support students’ phonics development in a small-group setting. By grouping students based on ability, creating an engaging environment, and using TPRs to practice essential phonics skills, you can ensure that every student makes progress at their own pace. Follow these best practices to maximise the benefits of Rocket Phonics TPRs in your classroom.