1. Get Guided Reading by Fountas and Pinnell (Heinemann, 1996). Then read it. Then do what it says to do. It is the single best instruction book on how to teach guided reading (GR) and there is no substitute. By the way, it’s much more fun to read with friends, i.e. in a class or study group. Even having one GR buddy is better than going it alone.

2. Your kids have to have some modicum of independence. If your management isn’t such that you can look away from them for 10-15 minutes, then get help from one of those teachers who has the most independent kids in the city. You know, that teacher down the hall who can leave her or his classroom and go use the restroom, meet with a parent, and convince the custodian to find another bookcase. Meanwhile the class is quietly completing their independent work and then starting their next lesson, on their own. By the way, doing step 1 above, will help with step 2.

3. At what level are your kids reading this quarter? You need to assess them. Your goal is to know two things: At what level are they reading? What strategies do they know?

4. You need books. It’s best if you have lessons to go with the books because then you can get a sense of how lessons go. You won’t always need the lessons… After awhile you’ll be able to think about a kid's level and known strategies, think about a book, and make up a lesson in your head that will help that kid, using that book.

5. If you’ve done steps 1 through 4, then you’re ready. Take a deep a breath and teach.