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

Jan Richardson's "The Next Step in Guided Reading" is like a treasure map for teachers navigating the wild seas of diverse student reading levels. This book is a goldmine of focused assessments and targeted lessons, perfect for helping every student become a better reader. I must admit, as a seasoned educator with a love for structured teaching methods, this book had me at "targeted assessments."Richardson has brilliantly outlined the essential components of effective guided reading. From pinpointing specific strategies through data analysis to incorporating guided writing to bolster the reading process, she leaves no stone unturned. The best part? She provides detailed lessons for readers at all grade levels, making it a versatile tool in any educator's arsenal.I was particularly impressed with the way Richardson breaks down complex strategies into manageable chunks. Her approach is like having a friendly tour guide lead you through the labyrinth of guided reading, ensuring you never get lost. The lessons are practical, easy to implement, and backed by solid research. It's like getting a cheat sheet for reading instructions, but without the guilt.Now, while I absolutely love this book, I'm giving it a 4.7 because, let's face it, nothing's perfect (except maybe a perfectly brewed cup of coffee). The only tiny gripe I have is that some of the assessments could be a tad more engaging for younger readers. But hey, that's just me being nitpicky.In conclusion, if you're a teacher looking to up your guided reading game, this book is a must-have. Jan Richardson has outdone herself, and your students will thank you for it. So, grab your highlighter, a comfy chair, and get ready to revolutionize your reading instruction!

Excellent resource! My only regret is that I didn't read it years ago when I first started teaching. I was hooked from the very beginning when Jan confessed that even though she had done extensive work with reading and readers going so far as to earn a Master's degree in the subject, she still was having trouble understanding the reading process. That someone so respected in the field would humble themselves and admit, in writing nonetheless, something that I too have been struggling with, made me sigh with relief. So I wasn't a bad teacher and it suddenly felt OKAY that I too didn't completely understand the reading process.The book was very easy reading and Jan explains everything in layman terms. I absolutely love that she doesn't assume that the reader knows everything and will quickly remind us what certain terms mean. At the end of most chapters, she has a sample of whatever it is the chapter is about.Everything that you need is in the book. When she mentioned high frequency words, there's a list. When she talks about guided reading lesson plans, there's a template in the book. Even the chapter on centers provides five pages worth of literacy center ideas (with descriptions no less!) and guidelines on how to run the centers.I am a team leader at my school and will be using this book for a school-wide book study, as I feel it's a great introduction to guided reading for new teachers, and an even better refresher for more seasoned teachers.

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.

I cannot rave enough on this book. I added this book to my cart after reading reviews and finally purchased. I wish I would have had this book in college while I was learning to teach Guided Reading. The organization of this book is wonderful. The appendixes in the back are a must have for anybody who teaches reading, especially Guided Reading. My favorite part of this book is the appendix that breaks reading levels down into what students need to know for that level. This book provides ideas for lessons, included my favorite part, premade word lists for word work. Every week when I am creating my guided reading lessons, this book is right by my side. Every elementary teacher who teaches reading, NEEDS THIS BOOK! I can't talk enough about how great it is. I believe my students have truly benefited from me having this book.

Great book. Practical and easy to read!!

The book gave me the informationI hoped it would..

Wow, great, user friendly resource. Amazing for offering different chapters set to different reading ability. Some terrific blackline masters in the back to use with your guided reading groups.Only downside, I found it was mostly targeted towards early elementary. There was less information for my older students.Still a great, quick and easy read.

Excellent resource for classroom teachers.