Reading instruction is one of the few subjects that is taught almost exclusively in small groups of similar abilities.
While segregating students by ability is not a popular option for other subjects, small group reading lessons have found their way into millions of classrooms all across the country. It is vital that teachers utilize these groups effectively to teach every student how to read.
During reading groups as well as during other class times, teachers need to focus on several important skills to teach reading. These reading skills need to be taught purposefully with each and every student.
- Teach students what a “good reader” sounds like by reading to them
- Teach strategies for sounding out unfamiliar words
- Allow students to read aloud and silently to focus on fluency
In addition to these skills, students need to enjoy reading in order to learn how to become a good reader. Thus it is important for teachers to choose a variety of books to teach from as well as to allow plenty of free choice reading time during the day.
Many children end up at a tutor because of poor reading grades simply because they find reading “boring”. Providing a choice of books can help alleviate this problem.
Students with Reading Disabilities
Students with a specific learning disability in the area of reading will struggle more than the typical child when learning to read. Working with students who have a reading disability requires extra patience and a very purposeful instruction method.
While students who are natural readers may simply “pick up” some basic reading skills, students with reading disabilities need to be specifically taught each skill.
Utilizing reading groups and instructional time in an effective way each day will help every student learn to read.
Continue reading: How to Teach Reading
Resources for teaching reading:
Teaching Fluency and Reading Comprehension
Teaching Reading with Classroom Layout
Understanding and teaching students with reading disabilities
