The Next Step in Guided Reading: Focused Assessments and Targeted Lessons for Helping Every Student Become a Better Reader,   ISBN:9780545133616

Customer Rating: 

If you are challenged by how to use your guided reading time to work with struggling readers and grade level readers this book is for you. Jan Richardson lays out a 2 -3 day format for reading groups at all levels. Included in group time are working with sight words, individual reading, guided writing, word study. I have been using this format for 3 weeks with my ESOL students during our guided reading sessions. Jan says you can cover the lesson in 20 minutes. I haven't gotten it down to that yet, but the students have learned the structure and it allows me to assess the students weekly. Other teachers at our school are using the book as well. The book does not include "reading theory" but most teachers have a foundation in the why -- it's the how to that is a struggle. If you need more information in that regard try Reggie Routman or Sharon Taberski. Even teachers that work with grade level and above grade level students will find ways to work with those students. She includes questioning and activities for those levels (do you teach "microthemes"?). You will not learn about how to set up centers- try Debbie Diller or The Sisters if you need that kind of management. If you want to know how to maximize your instructional time with your groups buy this book.

Customer Rating: 

This is an excellent resource for any classroom or Title Reading teacher. Jan Richardson walks you through lessons for all levels in a very easy to understand way. I have been doing guided reading for 9 years and feel this is one of the best resources I have found to date. Anyone looking to better structure their guided reading groups should consider purchasing this book.

Customer Rating: 

This book is an absolute must for any teacher working with struggling readers. The book provides an explicit lesson format for readers at all stages of reading development. I have been using many of Jan Richardson's techniques for years and am so happy that she is now presenting the information in a very user friendly book format for all teachers to use. If you want to add power to your guided reading lessons, you should definitely buy this book.

Customer Rating: 

If you have struggling readers in your classroom this is the book for you. Jan Richardson takes you through assessment and ongoing observation to strong, effective intervention procedures. Jan's 20 minute guided reading lesson plans are focused and explicit. The book also includes a 10 minute lesson plan to follow for that one struggling student that doesn't fit in the other groups. I have used Jan's lesson plans to develop interventions for students in the classroom.
I have been privileged to attend several presentations by Jan Richardson in the past six years. Each time, Jan deepens my understanding of the reading process and gives me the tools to help me accelerate all readers to be as successful as they can be.
I am a Reading specialist/literacy coach with a background in special education and Reading Recovery. Jan's work has helped me become the literacy teacher I am today.

Customer Rating: 

This book is a must have if you do guided reading or small group in your classroom. Jan has laid out the lessons and given models instructing you on how to teach the lessons. I have used her work in my classroom and I am a true believer in what she has done for the children. I have worked with struggling readers who would have been cast aside with a basal but using Jan's research and models helped them to become confident readers who now enjoy the process of reading. Jan has worked in my classroom with some of the strategies in her book and it is great to see the children become so excited with themselves and the work they are doing. If you want to enhance your guided reading or small group program then I would definately recommend this book to you.