Guided Reading in Small Groups
To develop reading stamina, fluency, and comprehension through supported small-group reading.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Reads independently within group
- Answers literal and inferential questions
- Returns to text for evidence
- Discusses texts with peers
Materials
- Matched reading texts (one per child)
- Running record sheets
- Comprehension question cards
- Reading response journals
Instructions
Group children by reading level (not ability — level changes as children progress). Keep groups small: four to six maximum. Meet each group at least twice per week for focused reading.
Introduce each session's text: 'Today we're reading 'The Magic Porridge Pot'. Look at the cover — what do you know about magic porridge pots? What might happen?' This text introduction is important — not 'giving away' the story, but activating schema.
Children read the text simultaneously but quietly to themselves (not round-robin — this method creates anxiety and poor reading habits). Circulate, leaning in to listen to individuals for thirty seconds each.
When the group has read the text, discuss: 'What happened? Who are the characters? Was there anything confusing?' Begin with literal questions, then move to inferential: 'Why do you think she couldn't stop the pot? What would YOU have done?'
Address specific misconceptions: 'Someone said the girl made the pot magic — let's go back to page four and check. It says... the old woman gave her the pot. So who made it magic?' Teaching in the moment of real reading is maximally effective.
Complete a brief running record on one child per session. This diagnostic data drives your next grouping decision and planning.