In what way does guided reading differ from whole group reading instruction?

Guided reading differs from whole group reading instruction in that it provides personalized support tailored to the individual needs of students. This approach allows teachers to work with small groups of students who share similar reading levels or needs, enabling differentiated instruction that targets specific skills and strategies. During guided reading sessions, the teacher can give focused attention, monitor comprehension, and provide immediate feedback, which helps to enhance each student’s reading ability according to their unique progress.

In contrast, whole group reading instruction typically does not accommodate the diverse reading levels present in a classroom. It often involves delivering a lesson to all students at once, which may not meet the needs of every learner effectively. Guided reading fosters a more interactive and responsive learning environment, where students receive the support they need to advance their skills, making it a more personalized and effective method for developing literacy.