Why Use Leveled or Guided Reading Books in the Classroom?

Teachers use guided or leveled reading to align with the child's current reading level. Students start with easy reads, and gradually acclimate towards more difficult works. This guided or leveled reading process makes students better readers.

Fluency

Guided or leveled reading increases fluency. When a teacher chooses a book that gauges towards a student's current reading ability the student reads quickly and with 90% accuracy.

Enjoyment

This approach enables the student to readily enjoy the story without the obstacles of more difficult books. Difficult books only elicit frustration in the student and deters him from reading.

Comprehension

The student's increased enjoyment with the story also raises comprehension. The more she engages with the story the more she understands.

Scaffolding

Teachers use this method to scaffold students towards a more difficult reading level. In other words, the first easy read acts a temporary spring board from which students progress towards harder books.

Adaptive

The teacher can modify the guided or leveled reading strategy easily to fit the needs of all learners. Each student differs with respect to learning style or disability. Teachers can change the reading materials, construct learning centers and offer individual support.

References

• Michigan State University: What is Guided Reading
• University of Connecticut: This Month in Literacy: Leveling Books to Match Readers
• Instructional Strategies Online: What is Guided Reading?

Resources

• Portland Public Schools: PPS Leveled Books Lists