They can look at the interests of the students. If the students like adventure stories, then select guided reading stories in that genre. Also, teachers need to think about the language complexity. It should match the students' current capabilities so that they can understand and learn from the stories.
Relating to real life. Teachers can connect the events in the story to the kids' real - life experiences. For example, if the story is about a birthday party, the teacher can talk about the kids' own birthday parties. This makes the story more relevant and interesting for the first graders, and also helps them to better understand the story.
Teachers can start by introducing the book, showing the cover and asking students to predict what the story might be about. During the reading, they can stop at certain points to explain new words or concepts. After reading, they can have students act out parts of the story. This not only makes the reading more fun but also helps students remember the story better. They can also create reading comprehension worksheets based on these fictions, focusing on things like sequencing events or identifying characters' feelings.
They can use different voices for different characters. This adds a lot of fun and makes the story come alive.
It improves their reading comprehension. By following the guidance, students learn how to analyze the plot, characters, and themes in a more systematic way. It also expands their vocabulary as they encounter new words in the novels. And it can enhance their creativity as they imagine the scenes and characters described in the text.
They can improve vocabulary. For example, in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series, students will encounter many new and interesting words. Reading these novels also enhances reading comprehension skills as students have to follow the plot, understand characters' motives, etc.
Teachers can set up a reading club in the class. This creates a community of readers among students, and they can discuss the novels they are reading. It makes reading more fun and engaging.
In elementary schools, 'Amelia Bedelia' books are often used for guided reading. The character Amelia Bedelia misinterprets idioms in a humorous way, which makes the stories both funny and educational for kids. 'Henry and Mudge' is another popular choice. These stories are about a boy and his big dog, and they are written at a level that is suitable for elementary students who are building their reading skills. 'Mercy Watson' series is also great. The pig Mercy Watson gets into all sorts of silly situations, and the simple yet charming stories are perfect for guided reading at the elementary level.
Guided reading short stories can improve reading skills in several ways. Firstly, they expose readers to different writing styles and vocabulary. For example, a short story might use vivid adjectives or complex sentence structures that readers can learn from. Secondly, guided reading often involves discussions and questions, which help readers think more deeply about the text, such as understanding the characters' motives or the theme of the story. Finally, reading short stories in a guided way can boost confidence as they are usually less intimidating than long novels.
First, choose an appropriate fantasy story. Then, before reading, introduce the basic setting and main characters to build anticipation. During the reading, stop at key points to ask questions like 'What do you think will happen next?' or 'How would you solve this problem if you were the character?'. After reading, discuss the overall theme and the moral of the story.
One major benefit is that it enhances students' critical thinking skills. As they engage in guided reading of novels, they are constantly analyzing the actions and motives of characters, evaluating the plot development, and considering different perspectives. Another advantage is that it can cultivate students' empathy. Through reading about different characters' experiences in novels, students can put themselves in others' shoes. Moreover, it promotes a love for reading in general, as novels are often more engaging than textbooks.