Guided Reading

So, I was doing some research because I left my scoring sheet at school for Fountas and Pinnell reading level assessments.  I did find this little gem of information on the Fountas and Pinnell website(taken from http://www.fountasandpinnellleveledbooks.com/aboutleveledtexts.aspx):

     I look at many of these things while I am leading a guided reading group with my students but I feel that it was a nice reminded for teachers of what some best practices are when teach in guided reading groups.  I am a BIG fan of guided reading groups.  I have guided reading groups with my students I pull out and co-teach with.  I highly suggest guided reading groups.  You will see more growth with students when they are you use guided reading groups because you are differentiating the text off of the students needs and strengths.  Students also will feel more engaged because the text will not be too easy or too hard for them to comprehend.  I have found my students with learning disabilities to enjoy the text more and be more willing to talk if the book is a "good fit."  Books you are reading in a guided reading group are usually not appropriate for students to read on their own free time, these are books that are at the students instructional reading level.
    If you want more information about guided reading groups check out Fountas and Pinnell's website or read Scholastic's What is Guided Reading?.