During guided reading, what is the teacher's role?

The teacher's role during guided reading is to support and facilitate students' reading at their instructional level. This involves providing targeted instruction based on each student's current reading ability, helping to bridge gaps in understanding, and fostering a love for reading. The teacher interacts with students in a small group setting, offering strategies for word recognition, comprehension, and fluency while also encouraging discussion and critical thinking about the text. This personalized approach allows the teacher to assess student progress and adjust instruction as needed, creating a tailored learning experience that promotes growth and independence in reading.

Assignments like reading homework or dictating lesson plans don't typically reflect the dynamic, responsive nature of guided reading. Similarly, while evaluation can be a component of teaching, the primary aim of guided reading is to empower students through support and scaffolding rather than simply assessing speed.