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A Teaching Blog by Jodi Southard

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Guided Reading

All in One Differentiated Reading Passages

November 4, 2019 by Jodi Leave a Comment

Reading instruction in a classroom with students at various reading levels can definitely be challenging.  If you follow a basal program, the text levels for each week may be too hard for your low readers and much too easy for your higher readers.  This is why I love doing small groups during my reading block.  I want to make sure that my students are reading text at their instructional reading levels.

These Monthly Differentiated Reading passages are my go-to during small group instruction or during our intervention/enrichment time.  I love that almost all of my students can read about the same topic and work on the same comprehension skill, but at their own reading level.

Want to save time planning for your small group reading lessons each week? These monthly guided reading packets are your answer! Each Guided Reading packet includes 4 differentiated nonfiction passages, and 4 differentiated fiction passages. (24 passages in all) The passages include a lesson plan example, vocabulary cards, pre-reading activity, 3 levels of reading passages with vocabulary words and comprehension questions, a comprehension graphic organizer, and a writing response page.

Each month includes 4 nonfiction and 4 fiction stories at three different reading levels.  Each passage includes “Power Words” to increase their vocabulary skills.  The higher level passages include more Power Words than the lower reading level passages.  Every story also includes a corresponding comprehension skill, comprehension graphic organizer, and a writing component.

Want to save time planning for your small group reading lessons each week? These monthly guided reading packets are your answer! Each Guided Reading packet includes 4 differentiated nonfiction passages, and 4 differentiated fiction passages. (24 passages in all) The passages include a lesson plan example, vocabulary cards, pre-reading activity, 3 levels of reading passages with vocabulary words and comprehension questions, a comprehension graphic organizer, and a writing response page.

How do I use these Differentiated Reading Passages in my classroom?

I typically use these during small group instruction for one of our weekly lessons during that time.  This allows me to differentiate easily for each reading group.  I also love that I can be consistent with keeping the same comprehension skill and vocabulary words for the entire class.  This year, I have actually been using these with my enrichment group during our I/E (Intervention/Enrichment) time.  I am able to really dig deep into each of these stories as we practice our reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension practice.

Want to save time planning for your small group reading lessons each week? These monthly guided reading packets are your answer! Each Guided Reading packet includes 4 differentiated nonfiction passages, and 4 differentiated fiction passages. (24 passages in all) The passages include a lesson plan example, vocabulary cards, pre-reading activity, 3 levels of reading passages with vocabulary words and comprehension questions, a comprehension graphic organizer, and a writing response page.

I love that these Differentiated Reading Passages allow me to integrate reading with science and social studies.

One of my favorite things about these passages is that I can integrate reading with other subject areas by using the nonfiction passages.  It is often difficult to get everything in during the school day, so integrating subjects with each other is so important.

Want to save time planning for your small group reading lessons each week? These monthly guided reading packets are your answer! Each Guided Reading packet includes 4 differentiated nonfiction passages, and 4 differentiated fiction passages. (24 passages in all) The passages include a lesson plan example, vocabulary cards, pre-reading activity, 3 levels of reading passages with vocabulary words and comprehension questions, a comprehension graphic organizer, and a writing response page.

What are teachers saying about these Differentiated Reading Passages?

“This is one of the best purchases I’ve made on TPT! It allows you to use the same “Power Words” or vocabulary with your class, but the passages using the vocabulary are written at 3 different reading levels allowing all students to access the content! It also contains a written option and reading response for each reading. Wow! This has saved me so much time! Thank you!” -Sharon

“This is an AMAZING resource for guided reading. I love the prediction pages with a picture that really help the students stay focused on the topic. Also, I love telling them their writing goal for the week which is included.” -Nicole

“These passages are wonderful for comprehension in terms of teaching to look back in the text. I also love the vocabulary piece. The graphic organizers are great too. The passages are just the right length and the topics keep my guided reading group engaged! Thanks!” -June

“One of the BEST resources I have ever bought from TPT (and trust me I have bought A LOT)!! This has everything you can hope for! Absolutely no prep needed for your daily guided reading FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR! Having three different passages for each story at three different levels is amazing! This allows all the students in the class to practice the same reading skill, and learn about the same topic, but at a level that is good for them. LOVE LOVE LOVE this and use this almost everyday throughout the year!”

Check out each month or save on the ENTIRE YEAR Bundle.

Want to save time planning for your small group reading lessons each week? These monthly guided reading packets are your answer! Each Guided Reading packet includes 4 differentiated nonfiction passages, and 4 differentiated fiction passages. (24 passages in all) The passages include a lesson plan example, vocabulary cards, pre-reading activity, 3 levels of reading passages with vocabulary words and comprehension questions, a comprehension graphic organizer, and a writing response page.

Filed Under: Reading Tagged With: Comprehension, differentiation, Guided Reading

My Guided Reading Must Haves

September 26, 2016 by Jodi 4 Comments

Guided Reading Must Haves from Fun in First

I love working with small groups in my classroom.  If I could figure out a way to work with small groups all day long, it would be amazing.  I feel like this portion of my day is so important.  I really get to know my students strengths and weaknesses, and I’m able to really focus on their exact needs.  So, what are my Guided Reading must haves?

Guided Reading Must Haves from Fun in First

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Read More »

Filed Under: Reading, Supplies Tagged With: Guided Reading, Small Groups

What Work Stations Look Like in My Classroom Right Now

August 31, 2016 by Jodi 9 Comments

A very common question is always, “How do you run literacy work stations in your classroom?”

Work Stations by Fun in FirstI thought I would blog about what my work stations look like right now at the beginning of the year.  I have to be honest and say that these have evolved and changed so many times over the years.  I kind of morph a lot of different ideas together (Debbie Diller, Daily 5, etc.) and use what’s best for my students and me.  I think that’s the ultimate goal of teaching.  We have to use what we know and make it work for us.

HOW DO I GROUP THE STUDENTS FOR WORK STATIONS?

For the first couple weeks of school, I place my students into 5 groups of 4-5 students.  They rotate through the stations, while I assist as needed or pull students back for one-on-one assessments.  After I feel that the students are capable of working independently (and my testing is finished), I become a station for one of the groups.

Work Stations by Fun in FirstI use a pocket chart to display my station board.  I use cardstock with pictures of each of the students along with their names to place on our station board.  At first, I do not group my students academically.  When I become a station, I group them by their academic needs, so I can easily differentiate the work stations and the activities I will be doing with my small group.

WHAT ARE THE STUDENTS DOING AT THEIR WORK STATIONS?

I like to make it as easy as possible for me when planning my work stations for the week.  I do not want to be cutting out and laminating a million pieces of paper each week.  I like to use a lot of No Prep Games along with other easy prep activities.  I use a lot of items from my Word Work Packets or my Games Galore packets.  This makes it very simple to change out each week.  The students know exactly how to complete the activity.  Only the skill changes.

Word Work Activities for Work Stations from Fun in First

Students love playing Word Work games.  Read the Room activities are also a big hit.  It’s a bonus that it gives them a chance to be up out of their seats and walking around the classroom.

Word Work Activities for Work Stations from Fun in FirstI also like to include a Listening Center.  This is always an easy one to change out each week.  I purchase the Listening Center CD’s and books from Scholastic each month.  Then, I use my bonus points to purchase additional books for each CD.

Word Work Activities for Work Stations from Fun in FirstAnother easy work station idea is Rainbow Roll and Write.  I found this idea a couple years ago from A Cupcake for the Teacher.  This is perfect for practicing our spelling words for the week.

Word Work Activities for Work Stations from Fun in First

At the beginning of the year, I love using this Plinko game from Lakeshore Learning.  It’s perfect for practicing phonemic awareness skills.

Word Work Activities for Work Stations from Fun in FirstSometimes, I even make the students handwriting books a station.  Since it’s hard to squeeze handwriting practice into our day, this is the perfect time.

Word Work Activities for Work Stations from Fun in First

I try to change them up a little bit each week so the students do not get bored, but a lot of the activities can stay the same.

(You can find my all of my Word Work activities HERE and all of my Games packets HERE.)

WHAT DO I DO WITH THE STUDENTS IN MY SMALL GROUP?

The first couple of weeks, I do not pull a small group.  First, I walk around and check to make sure that each person is on task at their station.  Then, if all is going well, I start pulling individuals to complete our beginning of the year DIBELS assessments.  After a couple of weeks, I can pull my first reading groups.

For my low students, I start off by working on phonemic awareness.  I always have a couple of students that really need to focus on these skills first before becoming independent readers.  I’ve been working my way through the activities in my Phonemic Awareness at Your Fingertips packet.  I love that I have these printed and placed in sheet protectors, because now they are ready to go.

Phonemic Awareness Activities by Fun in First Phonemic Awareness Activties from Fun in First

We use a lot of manipulatives to practice making sounds in words and manipulating our phonemes.

Phonemic Awareness Activities from Fun in First Phonemic Awareness Activities from Fun in FirstFor my groups that are capable of reading, we will start using my Guided Reading packets next week. These are perfect because they are already differentiated for each of my groups.  Each passage comes in three different levels and includes vocabulary and comprehension practice.

Differentiated Guided Reading by Fun in FirstI introduce the vocabulary, and then we read the passages together.  I like to give my students highlighters to highlight the answer to the comprehension questions.

Differentiated Guided Reading by Fun in FirstWe usually fill out the comprehension graphic organizer together as a group.  Later on, my higher readers do this portion independently.

Differentiated Guided Reading by Fun in FirstIf you would like to try out a FREE week of these passages, you can TRY BEFORE YOU BUY by clicking on the picture below.

Guided Reading Sample PacketI hope this gives you a better idea of how work stations and small groups are working in my room right now.

Filed Under: Curriculum, Reading Tagged With: Guided Reading, Word Work

How is it almost December?

November 24, 2015 by Jodi Leave a Comment

Seriously!  How is it almost December?  This school year is just flying by.  My little man turned one this past weekend, and I swear it was just yesterday that he was born.
 We had a monster themed birthday party.
Even though his smash cake was adorable, he was NOT a fan.
It was such a fun day celebrating our little guy.
So, now we are out of school for the week for Thanksgiving Break.  When we go back, it will basically be December. 
I’m excited to continue using my Guided Reading packet.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-December-2212340
I love the ease of these packets.  I can focus on vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency all while differentiating my reading groups.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-December-2212340
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-December-2212340
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-December-2212340
It makes planning so easy.  Each month includes 4 nonfiction and 4 fiction stories and includes 3 levels of each passage.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-December-2212340
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-December-2212340
Another product that I just finished for December is my Print & Teach Winter Holidays packet.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Holidays-2220200
 This mini unit includes passages about Christmas, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, Chinese New Year, & New Year’s Day.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Holidays-2220200
I hope you have a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving!!!


Filed Under: Back to School, Math, Reading, Winter, Writing Tagged With: Christmas, December, Guided Reading, holidays, Reading, winter holidays

Guided Reading in November

October 25, 2015 by Jodi Leave a Comment

A couple weeks ago I created a Guided Reading packet for October.  I have been using it with my small groups this past month, and I LOVE it!  My planning for small groups has never been easier.
I am just as excited about my November packet that I was able to finish this weekend.
Each monthly packet includes 4 nonfiction stories (at 3 different levels) and 4 fiction stories (at 3 different levels.) 
Prior to passing out the passage, we use the provided picture prompts to introduce the story topic.
I also introduce the new vocabulary words that we will see in our passages.  This definitely helps to set the stage for learning and get my students excited to read.
Depending on the amount of time that we have to meet for the day, we may just do our prereading activities and read through the passage a couple of times on the first day.  The second time we meet, we will read the passage again, and the students will answer the comprehension questions.  Each passage set includes a “comprehension focus skill” and a graphic organizer for that particular skill.
The three levels of passages make it so easy to differentiate my small groups.
The level 1 passages include 3-4 new vocabulary words per story, whereas the level 2 & 3 includes up to 6 new words.

 Each level focuses on the same “comprehension skill.”
You can check out the entire packet by clicking on the picture below.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-November-2167976
You can save money by purchasing the growing bundle for the ENTIRE year.  As of right now, it only includes October and November, but the other months will be added as they are completed.  If you have already purchased the bundle, you may go and redownload your purchase to receive November’s packet.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-All-Year-Long-The-Bundle-2137277


Filed Under: Reading Tagged With: Guided Reading

Guided Reading in October

October 9, 2015 by Jodi 2 Comments

I really love working with my small groups during reading.  I feel very comfortable working on phonics and phonemic awareness skills, but I always felt like I was scrambling when it came to Guided Reading and working on comprehension and vocabulary skills.
I sat down and really thought about what I would like to accomplish during my Guided Reading groups.  I wanted something that would be easy to prep, fun for my students, and, of course, meet their academic needs.
This is when my Guided Reading packet was born.  My first monthly packet includes 4 nonfiction and 4 fiction stories at 3 differentiated reading levels (24 passages in all.)
Each passage set includes a pre-reading activity to introduce the topic.  I like to slip these into a Paper Saver or a page protector to save on copies.
After I introduce the topic and we discuss what we know or we relate the topic to our lives, I introduce the vocabulary.  Each passage set includes a picture page and vocabulary cards.

After the vocabulary is introduced, we are ready to read.
After reading our passage a number of times, we can answer the comprehension questions.  I like to have my students go back and highlight their answers in the text. 
Each passage set also includes a graphic organizer for the comprehension skill.
I spread this out over 2-3 lessons.  I just don’t have enough time to do it all in one sitting. 
My October Guided Reading packet includes the following stories:
{Nonfiction}
Bats
Spiders
Pumpkins
Owls
{Fiction}
Camping
Stinky Socks
Chocolate Cake
A Scary Movie
You can SAVE MONEY and buy the BUNDLE.  I will be adding each month to this growing bundle.  You will be able to download it at no additional cost each time it is updated.  Click on the picture below to check it out.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-All-Year-Long-The-Bundle-2137277
Prepping for my Guided Reading groups next week was SO easy!


Filed Under: Reading Tagged With: Guided Reading, Reading, Small group

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