Difference between shared, guided and modelled reading

General
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difference between shared, guided and modelled reading

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Difference between Shared, Guided, and Modelled Reading

Shared Reading

Definition and Purpose

Shared reading is an interactive reading experience where the teacher reads a text with the students. The primary goal is to demonstrate fluent reading and help students become familiar with the text. It is usually done with a text that is slightly above the student’s current reading levels.

Features of Shared Reading

  1. Interactive:

    • The teacher involves students by asking questions before, during, and after reading. This keeps students engaged and encourages them to think about the text actively.

  2. Demonstration of Fluency:

    • The teacher models fluent reading, including appropriate pacing, expression, and accuracy. This demonstration helps students understand how fluent reading sounds.

  3. Focus on Comprehension:

    • Students listen and follow along, which helps improve their comprehension skills as they see and hear the words simultaneously.

  4. Use of Predictable Texts:

    • Teachers often use big books or texts with repetitive phrases, which help students anticipate and participate during the reading process.

Role of the Teacher in Shared Reading

  • The teacher leads the reading session, uses a pointer to guide the text, and encourages students to follow along. The teacher pauses to ask comprehension questions, discuss vocabulary, and make predictions about the text.

Shared Reading Example

  • A teacher might use a large picture book with repeated phrases. As the teacher reads, they point to each word and encourage students to join in on repeated phrases or predict upcoming words based on context and pictures.

Guided Reading

Definition and Purpose

Guided reading involves small group instruction with students who are at a similar reading level. The teacher provides tailored support to help students develop specific reading strategies and skills.

Features of Guided Reading

  1. Small Group Instruction:

    • Students are grouped based on their reading levels, and each group session is designed to meet the specific needs of that group.

  2. Focus on Individualized Instruction:

    • The teacher provides targeted support and guidance, adjusting instruction based on each student’s needs.

  3. Development of Reading Strategies:

    • Students practice decoding, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Teachers help them develop strategies to become independent readers.

  4. Selection of Appropriate Texts:

    • Texts chosen are at or slightly above the students’ instructional reading level, allowing for challenge but still being accessible with support.

Role of the Teacher in Guided Reading

  • The teacher selects texts that match the group’s reading level, introduces them, and guides students through the reading process, providing support as needed. Teachers listen to individuals read, offering feedback and guidance to improve fluency and comprehension.

Guided Reading Example

  • A teacher meets with a small group of students, each with a copy of a book at their reading level. The teacher introduces the book, discusses the cover and title, and sets the purpose for reading. Students then read quietly to themselves while the teacher listens in and offers support as required.

Modelled Reading

Definition and Purpose

Modelled reading is when the teacher explicitly demonstrates reading strategies and processes. The students observe the teacher’s thinking process, which provides a clear model for how skilled reading is done.

Features of Modelled Reading

  1. Focus on Strategy Demonstration:

    • The teacher demonstrates how to apply specific reading strategies, such as predicting, inferring, or summarizing.

  2. Think-Aloud Process:

    • The teacher verbalizes their thinking as they read, showing students how to approach and make sense of a text.

  3. Role of the Teacher:

    • The teacher models the internal dialogue a good reader engages in while reading. This helps students understand the cognitive processes behind reading.

  4. Explicit Instruction:

    • Modelled reading involves direct teaching of strategies, helping students understand and adopt these strategies for their reading.

Role of the Teacher in Modelled Reading

  • The teacher selects a text that will best illustrate the chosen reading strategy. They read to the students, simultaneously verbalizing their thought process (think-aloud) to demonstrate how to approach the text critically.

Modelled Reading Example

  • Using a complex part of a narrative, the teacher reads aloud and pauses to predict what might happen next based on the clues given in the text, then explicitly discusses why those predictions were made.

Comparison of Shared, Guided, and Modelled Reading

Feature Shared Reading Guided Reading Modelled Reading
Group Size Entire class or larger groups Small groups of similar ability Whole class or small groups
Teacher’s Role Leads reading, involves students in a collective manner Tailors instruction to meet specific needs, provides support Demonstrates reading strategies through think-aloud
Student’s Role Participates with teacher, listens, follows, and predicts Reads individually or in small groups with guidance Observes, listens, and learns strategies through teacher’s example
Text Level Above students’ current level, often repetitive or predictable At instructional reading level Any level, focused more on strategy than text difficulty
Focus Comprehension, engagement, exposure to fluent reading Developing independence in reading strategies and skills Learning specific strategies through teacher demonstration
Interaction Interactive with the teacher, often choral reading More individualized, with tailored support Observational, focused on teacher’s cognitive modeling

Appropriate Use of Each Method

  • Shared Reading: Best used for promoting reading enjoyment, fluency through participation, building a sense of community, and introducing new texts.
  • Guided Reading: Ideal for developing individual reading strategies and skills in a supportive setting, focusing on students’ specific needs.
  • Modelled Reading: Effective for explicitly teaching new reading strategies and cognitive processes, equipping students with the tools they need to read independently.

Integrating the Methods Together

  1. Sequential Approach:

    • Often, these methods are used progressively. A teacher might first model a strategy during a modelled reading session, then utilize the strategy within a shared reading context, and finally, support students in applying it independently during guided reading.

  2. Combined Benefits:

    • Using all three methods together provides a well-rounded reading program that supports students at different stages of reading development, from observing and learning strategies to practicing them with support, and finally applying them independently.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Shared Reading Challenges:

    • Ensuring participation from all students, particularly those who may be shy or reluctant. Teachers need to create a safe and engaging environment.

  • Guided Reading Challenges:

    • Accurate grouping and maintaining attention and discipline in small group settings are crucial. Teachers must be attentive to each student’s progress and adapt instruction as necessary.

  • Modelled Reading Challenges:

    • The primary challenge is ensuring that students are able to transfer the demonstrated strategies into their reading practices.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between shared, guided, and modelled reading allows educators to effectively plan and implement reading sessions suited to the diverse needs of their students. Each method serves a unique purpose within literacy instruction, and utilizing them collectively can lead to a more holistic approach to developing proficient and independent readers. The key for teachers is to balance these methods carefully, taking into account the specific context, strengths, and needs of their students to unlock their full potential as capable and confident readers. By incorporating these strategies into daily practice, teachers can foster an environment that values and supports reading development at every level.