What is the primary focus of guided reading in literacy instruction?

The primary focus of guided reading in literacy instruction is small-group instruction tailored to individual reading levels. This approach allows educators to provide targeted support to students, meeting them at their specific reading abilities. During guided reading sessions, teachers can select appropriate texts that match the developmental stage of each group, which fosters an environment where students can practice essential reading skills such as phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies.

This method encourages interaction and active participation, enabling the teacher to scaffold learning effectively. Students benefit from immediate feedback and instruction that is relevant to their current needs, which is vital for their growth as readers. By working in small groups, the teacher can adjust the complexity of the materials, provide personalized attention, and create an inclusive environment that promotes collaborative learning. This contrasts sharply with more traditional approaches like whole-class lectures or independent reading, which may not address the varied literacy levels within a classroom.