Hi there and HAPPY FALL! Thanks so much for spending a little moment of your busy week with me! I have had several emails and questions this past week about guided reading so I thought this would be a great time to talk a little shop about guided reading! In kindergarten especially the idea of starting guided reading groups can be downright intimidating! First off, we have to teach our littles the important things like how to use the restroom, how to sit quietly, how to share and MORE! After that comes setting up your independent centers! We know that we can’t quite pull reading groups if we don’t have the kiddos working at an independent level! I won’t ramble too much in this post but if you are still in this stage (setting up your centers) you might want to check out these posts! I do a modified D5 and THIS POST is an extensive “how to” about my center set up and THIS POST is a short and to the point version.
Today’s post will be about what to use back at your table! I have A LOT of information to share but I want to make sure the post isn’t too overwhelming so here are the basics.
* This post will introduce you to my KinderReaders, FirstieReaders, Kinder Guided Reading Mega and Firstie Guided Reading Mega.
* There will be a TON of freebies! They are scattered throughout the post!
* The blog post goes Kinder, Firstie, Kinder, Firstie so you can scroll to your grade but be careful not to accidentally skip the freebies!
* EVERYTHING I share today will have a FREE SAMPLE! I believe you should always get to see what you’re getting OR even better– download a sample for FREE to try with your littles!
* The packets I mention today are on SALE through 9/30. I’ll link to those within the post so that you know!
* At the END of the post there is a GIVEAWAY you’ll want to for sure enter on that!
Let’s get started!
One of the first things I’ll do before starting my groups is to letter assess all of the students! This of course is going to give me a great idea of who my non readers might be! I use the assessment tracker below and you can download it FREE HERE or by clicking the image below! I get a lot of questions about why the tracker goes in ABC order but that is for a reason! I have the kiddos state their letters going down the columns and not across. So they are stating them out of order BUT when I look at my tracker, I look at it in horizontal rows and can quickly find out what letters they know and don’t know. I am looking first to see if they know the letters that are in their names.
For my non readers, we are going to start with their names! After they become confident in the letters in their names then I know they’ll be able to pick up additional letters and usually at record speed because kinders are AWESOME like that! To work on our names we do a lot of mixing and fixing! I prepare small little tubs (condiment tubs found at the Dollar Tree 6 for $1) They have their magnetic letters in there that they’ll need to build their names. I ask that they build their names and then I have them tap the letters. They’ll state the ones they know and then I clue them in on the ones they are unsure of. Sometimes these are the students that have NO experience in letters or sounds so to see them start to retain the letters is amazing! After mixing and fixing 2-3 times, I hand them a dry erase marker and they start to write their names! **If the kiddos are unable to even build their names without assistance, you can write it on a post it note or index card. Trust me… they won’t need it long but it does provide differentiation!
Another spin on mix and fix cut up names! Same exact concept but with strips! For cut up names, I write each students name on a sentence strip twice. I cut one one name and leave one name whole. I place both into an envelope! At the table we pull out our large name plates and trace over the letters with our fingers. I then have them pull out their pieces and start building their names. This helps me get around the table and check in with each student. I have them continue to mix and fix until I get around to everyone! We then push up our pieces and write the names!
We will also work on the class sight words back at the table, too!
After we start to get a little more comfortable with our names and sight words… it’s time for mix and fix sentences! I shared a freebie HERE! If you are wanting more… I have them HERE as well! Mix and fix sentences are all about getting the kiddos to realize that they too are READERS!
Students really to get practice multiple skills all at once. First, they must read the predictable sentence strip. Then, students will have to mix and fix the sentence several times. Finally, students will glue the strips down, reread the sentence, write the sentence and illustrate a matching picture.
Below is the three step process for teaching them!
Again I offer a freebie set that can be downloaded HERE!
If you love those then I do offer two additional packets! This first packet is similar to those in the freebie!
And this version included pictures for assistance!
Going back to the alphabet, once the students are becoming more confident with the alphabet I like to introduce alphabet tracing books! You can actually snag yours free HERE or clicking the image below! The students will use their fingers to trace each of the letters. I like to reuse these over and over again! Learning letters is all about repetition and memory! Tracing books are a great intervention and remediation for those strugglers! I recommend that this be a one on one activity so that you are able to directly support THAT child! To do the tracing books you will want to allow the child to begin tracing the letters….A, a, apple. If the kiddos does not follow the correct path of movement, you can then do hand over hand and show the correct formation. You can download the freebie * HERE * or by clicking the image below!
Alright we have made it through that! Now I would like to introduce you to my KinderReaders program! This program is actually designed to go ahead and cover those non readers as well!
I will do a mix of typing and videos! I hope not to repeat myself a ton! KinderReaders™ is a leveled guided reading program. The program has kindergarten aged students in mind but is great for any students at levels NR-D! KinderReaders™ is equipped with scripted lesson plans for each book. This will offer a path for those new to guided reading and still at that, a possible new way of thinking for those experienced guided reading teachers! ***Please note that I will also be offering a free book of my KinderReaders program below! You will snag the lesson plans, easy readers, mix and fix sentence, running record, INTERACTIVE book and Spanish version as well!***
I will be explaining each level of KinderReaders™ in much detail below! However, here is a quick overview of the program!
KinderReaders™ is a program designed to assist teachers, paraprofessionals, ELL staff, RTI teachers, home-school parents and any other individual striving to teach reading to a young child. KinderReaders™ is a systematic program. What does this mean? Each text of KinderReaders™ is given the same materials and presented to the students in the same manner. This allows for student growth because new routines are not being taught, only new concepts like new texts in this case. The program includes all of the necessary pieces and is designed in a way that allows you to simply print, prep the materials and add in students!
What exactly is included in each level?
– 20 simple “print and teach” scripted lesson plans
– 20 running records
– 20 easy readers
– 20 *INTERACTIVE ENGLISH READERS*
– 20 *INTERACTIVE SPANISH READERS*
– Reader strips for level NR and AA books
– “Mix and Fix” student sentences for all levels
– Picture cards for all 20 themes
– Word cards for all 20 themes
– Color and Black/White versions of the student materials
– Helpful video for printing easy readers
Now let’s take a close look at each level!
Click the video below to see in detail of the material for levels NR, AA and A!
Below you can see an overview of what is included in this set!
Level A book also contain a running record. Assessments during guided reading are not a “must” but they certainly allow you to understand the students as independent readers.
Level NR has it’s own matching 1:1 strips for each book. These are perfect for building fluency. Remember that we are using this level for those kiddos that are new to “reading.” This is a confidence booster and then we can get them transferred over to words!
Level AA also contains 1:1 strips! You can see that they are now responsible for stating one sight word. A boost up from the NR level, again– confidence boosters!
In level A, the students are able to move on from the 1:1 strips and start to work on mixing and fixing sentences! Don’t forget that you can have the kids work on mixing and fixing on the tables. Then, they can transfer them onto paper!
As in all of the levels… the materials are translated in Spanish as well!
Also included are interactive books! In this first set, all of the 20 level A books are available in an interactive format!
Woohoo! Let’s take a closer look at level B!
Level B offers 20 easy readers and 20 matching lesson plans! All of the material from level A is also included in Level B! Level B’s lesson plans are slightly different as each book gets two days!
In Level B, the students are working on mixing and fixing sentences with their teacher’s assistance and on their own.
Level B also contains black and white material of all the supplies!
Moving right along! How about Level C?
Level C is where we really start to bump up the expectation during guided reading! This level has the addition of a “Think and Write” and “Read and Match”.
Level C also contains running records to check for fluency and accuracy in your students’ reading!
A closer look at the Think and Write.
The Read and Match is an excellent opportunity for the students to see the text out of context. Even though that sounds kind of silly being that it is the same words… they are still still out of the actual book which can be tricky!
Below is an “action shot” of the Level C interactive books on the classroom interactive whiteboard!
Last but NOT least… let’s take a look at Level D!
Level D really bumps up the “fun factor”. In Level D the students will be exposed to texts that contain very little repetitive phrases and will also get to see something new, comprehension quizzes! I mean who doesn’t love a comprehension quiz? Ha!
Below is a look at the Level D lesson plans!
All of the Level D book also have a matching running record for quick assessing!
Here is a look at the level D book, Summer Fun.
The comprehension are small half sheets.
You can have the kids glue their comprehension quizzes into their reading notebooks!
Mix and fix sentences are also included in Level D! They are included for your choice to use or not use!
In Level D, the Think and Writes are completely open ended.
The students will be completing them with their own sentences.
As in all of the other levels… material is included in Spanish!
Below is a look of the interactive version placed onto an Ipad! The interactive versions will work on ANY device that has Microsoft Powerpoint! You do have to have that! On my Ipad, I downloaded the PPT app!
If you are interested in trying KinderReaders, you try it for FREE!!!! I’ve compiled all of the material for Level D, Let’s Go Swimming! You can click HERE to download or on the image below! Note that this is a zipped file and will most likely need to be downloaded on a computer!
You can also download the reading journals label HERE!
You have seen what is included in KinderReaders, but let’s take a look at a KinderReaders lesson in ACTION!
Below is a look at the materials included in the video!
Would you like to snag the word work cards shown in the video? Click HERE or on the image below!
You can click on the images below if you’re interested in purchasing KinderReaders! ** Please note that the KinderReaders fiction bundle is on sale for $20 off! It was $56 and not $36
KinderReaders also has a nonfiction component if you’re interested in immersing your kiddos into both fiction and nonfiction!
What exactly is included in each level?
– 10 simple “print and teach” scripted lesson plans
– 10 running records
– 10 easy readers
– 10 *INTERACTIVE readers ENGLISH READERS*
– 10 *INTERACTIVE readers SPANISH READERS*
– 10 “Think and Write” sheets (levels C and D)
– Mix and Fix sentences
– Picture cards for all 10 themes
– 10 Comprehension quizzes (Just level D)
– Color and Black/White versions of the student materials
Also before I get too far into detail about the readers here are a couple of questions I get a lot about the books!
Q: What leveling system are these leveled to, what if I use DRA?
A: You can use THIS chart to compare the different level systems and compare the “lettering” systems to the DRA!
Q: What if I teach kinder, first, sped, second, etc and I want to use the Kinder/Firstie readers, can I?
A: YES! The words “kinder” and “firstie” are only used on the cover of the packet for TPT. They are not used on the student materials so you do not have to worry about the students seeing another grade level name on their materials! You’ll go off the reading level verses grade level!
Let’s jump right into it with the nonfiction version of my KinderReaders! If you missed the previous post about the fiction version… you can view that HERE!
Click the video below to see in detail of the material for level A!
Below you can see the lesson plans for the level A books! The lesson plans have actually been broken down to cover students at the level AA and level A!
For each book there is also a matching running record! These are completely optional!
There are vocabulary cards and sentence starter cards included for each book!
You can work with the students to build the sentence starters from the text.
The word cards and vocabulary cards are also available in Spanish!
You will be able to use the Spanish vocabulary cards to build the book’s sentence starter!
The text has also been translated into Spanish!
All of the student materials are available in color and black and white for your convenience!
Below is a look at an overview of the books included in the KinderReaders nonfiction Level A!
Woohoo! Let’s take a closer look at level B!
Click below to take an in-depth look at level B!
Level B contains vocabulary cards and word cards!
For your convenience– running records are included!
Mix and fix sentences are also included along with color and B/W easy readers!
All student materials are also available in Spanish!
Below is a look at an overview of the books included in the KinderReaders nonfiction Level B!
Moving right along! How about Level C?
Take a look at level C to see what’s new for this level!
Level C is where we really start to bump up the expectation during guided reading! This level has the addition of a “Think and Write” and “Read and Match”.
Level C also contains running records to check for fluency and accuracy in your students’ reading!
A closer look at the Think and Write.
The Read and Match is an excellent opportunity for the students to see the text out of context. Even though that sounds kind of silly being that it is the same words… they are still still out of the actual book which can be tricky!
Level C also has the option of a mix and fix sentence if you choose to use that!
Level C also contains running records to check for fluency and accuracy in your students’ reading, vocabulary cards and word cards! All of the student materials are also available in Spanish!
Below is a look at an overview of the books included in the KinderReaders nonfiction Level C!
Last but NOT least… let’s take a look at Level D!
Take a look at the detailed video here!
Level D really bumps up the “fun factor”. In Level D the students will be exposed to texts that contain very little repetitive phrases and will also get to see something new, comprehension quizzes! I mean who doesn’t love a comprehension quiz? Ha! You can have the kids glue their comprehension quizzes into their reading notebooks!
Below is a look at the Level D lesson plans!
All of the Level D book also have a matching running record for quick assessing!
Here is a look at the level D book, Lions.
Vocabulary cards are included!
In Level D, the Think and Writes are completely open ended. The students will be completing them with their own sentences.
Mix and fix sentences are also included in Level D! They are included for your choice to use or not use! You can have kiddos paste these onto an extra sheet of paper or into a reading journal!
As in all of the other levels… material is included in Spanish!
Below is a look of the interactive version placed onto an Ipad! The interactive versions will work on ANY device that has Microsoft PowerPoint! You do have to have that! On my Ipad, I downloaded the PPT app!
Below is a look at an overview of the books included in the KinderReaders nonfiction Level D!
If you are interested in trying Nonfiction KinderReaders, you try it for FREE!!!! I’ve compiled all of the material for Level D, Lions! You can click HERE to download or on the image below! Note that this is a zipped file and will most likely need to be downloaded on a computer!
If you loved the detailed videos from above but would love all levels A-D combined… then you can use THIS video!
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Snag all 4 levels bundled by clicking HERE or on the image below!
Now let’s talk some guided reading FREEBIES!!!
I would like to share with you a few sets of cards that are PERFECT for your guided reading block! These cards are great for students that are ready to stretch words, blends words and those working on identifying sounds (beginning, medial and final). Below you can watch a super QUICK video of me explaining each set! I will also explain them individually below. You will be able to download all THREE sets of the cards for FREE! Perfect, right?
The first set I shared in the video are my PSF stretchers cards! I actually have these cards in one my very first TPT products, Phoneme Segmentation RTI! I get a lot of emails from teachers that explain that there students are able to stretch words, but that they do have a few that are unable to blend the entire word. A lot of times these students will drop the final sound like- /b/, /a/, /g/, bat. We know that students should be confident in the “hearing” of sounds before “seeing” them. I do feel though that if they are struggling with hearing that final sound then the PSF stretchers cards are a great tool to try. With these cards, the students are able to truly SEE the sounds in the words after stretching.
Step One: Tap and state the picture name.
Step Two: Tap each black dot and state the sound…. /c/
/a/
/t/
Step Three: Blend the word back together and state “cat”.
These cards are great as a warm up for guided reading or your morning word! You can print them on cardstock and laminate them for the best repeated use. You can hold them as the teacher but I prefer to have them in their hands so they can tap each sounds. At the guided reading table you can pass one card around and have each student stretch the word. (This would be best for students that are in the early stages of stretching sounds and would help with confidence.) You can also place several cards in the middle of the table and have them reach in to grab one, stretch it out, place it back in the middle and grab a new one.
If you do quick “check-ins” during the day then these would be great for that as well! You can take them with you to the hallway and have students state one before entering the restroom!
You can download these FREEBIE cards HERE or clicking below!!
Up next are the sound cards! These can be really used through the year as your students build their knowledge of sound identification and even sound manipulation.
“Can you tell me the first sound in this word?” (Teacher taps the green dot.)
“Can you tell me the medial sound in this word?” (Teacher taps the yellow dot.)
“Can you tell me the final sound in this word?” (Teacher taps the red dot.)
“Boys and girls, I would like you to change the first sound (Teacher taps the green dot.) to a ‘b’. What is the new word?”
I feel that these are more teacher driven cards and the teacher would be holding them. However, I’m most certain that you can also find use in them for the students to try themselves. You could possibly hand them out during guided reading warm up and the students stretch the words sound-by-sound and then write the word on their whiteboards!
You can download these freebie cards HERE or clicking below!!
How about the word builder cards? These are perfect when we are teaching students to attack words! The students will also work on blending in a little different kind of approach (onset and rime). You can print these double-sided and use them as a warm up for your guided reading block! They are also perfect to use on “the run” when assessing students through the day. You can download these freebie cards HERE or clicking below!
How about slinkys for stretching words? I snagged this set of small slinkys from the party goods aisle of Walmart!
Check them out in action below!
The FirstieReaders program follows the same formatting of KinderReaders! The differences? The rigor in the lesson plan and the student materials!
Here is a video that walks you through level E!
A look at the 2 day lesson plan for each book!
Each book also has a matching running record!
The Firstie set has the vocab cards but they also have the matching definition cards!
You also have the option to have kiddos complete a “think and define” sheet for vocabulary words!
Included with each book is a “break it down” graphic organizer!
Writing and comprehension go hand in hand! The included think & writes are perfect for that!
On day two you have the option for a two-sided comprehension quiz or one-sided!
All of the books include an interactive format!
All of the student materials are available in color and b/w as well for your convenience!
Also included are Spanish versions of all student materials!
Below is an overview of the books includes in the nonfiction Level E FirstieReaders!
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Snag all 4 levels bundled by clicking HERE or on the image below!
What is included? Give me the SHORT version!
– 40 easy readers (printable and INTERACTIVE FORMATS) *OFFERED IN SPANISH AS WELL
– 40 scripted lesson plans
– 40 INTERACTIVE books
– LOTS more— see below!
What is included for each book?
– 10 simple “print and teach” scripted lesson plans
– 10 running records for the
– 10 easy readers (black/white AND color)
– 10 *INTERACTIVE ENGLISH READERS*
– 10 *INTERACTIVE SPANISH READERS*
– Picture cards and definition cards for all themes
– “Think and Writes” for each book
– “Think and Comprehend” sheets for each book
– “Think and Comprehend” quizzes for each book
– “Think and Define” sheets with mini printable pictures for each book
– “Break it Down” graphic organizer for each sheet
– Color and Black/White versions of the student materials
We are now going to switch gears to FICTION FirstieReaders Level E!
Listen in to FICTION Level E of FistieReaders here!
Here’s a look at that two day lesson plan!
A closer look at the included and (optional) running record!
Along the same lines as above… each book includes a “retell it” graphic organizer!
Included “Think and Writes” for each book’s comprehension follow-up!
An optional retell activity using the retell cards included for each book!
For the comprehension quiz you have the option for a two-page or one-page quiz!
All book are available in color and black/white!
All student materials are available in Spanish!
For each book there is an interactive version— English and Spanish! The interactive book can be used on any device that uses Microsoft Powerpoint!
If you are interested in trying Fiction FirstieReaders, you try it for FREE!!!! I’ve compiled all of the material for Level E, The Big Touchdown! You can click HERE to download or on the image below! Note that this is a zipped file and will most likely need to be downloaded on a computer!
Let’s cruise onto Level F fiction FirstieReaders!
A look at the 2 day lesson plan!
A look at the “Think and Write” for building comprehension!
Write, write, write… that’s when we’ll know that “have it” You can choose between the written comprehension quiz or bubble quiz!
All books are available in color, B/W and interactive formats!
All student materials are available in Spanish!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Snag all 4 levels bundled by clicking HERE or on the image below!
What is included? Give me the SHORT version!
– 80 easy readers (printable and INTERACTIVE FORMATS) *OFFERED IN SPANISH AS WELL
– 80 scripted lesson plans
– 80 INTERACTIVE books
– LOTS more— see below!
What is included in the bundle?
– 80 simple “print and teach” scripted lesson plans
– 80 running records for the
– 80 easy readers (black/white AND color)
– 80 *INTERACTIVE ENGLISH READERS*
– 80 *INTERACTIVE SPANISH READERS*
– Picture retell cards
– “Think and Writes” for each book
– “Think and Comprehend” sheets for each book
– “Think and Comprehend” quizzes for each book
– “Retell It” graphic organizer for each sheet
– Color and Black/White versions of the student materials
**Please note that the FirstieReaders fiction bundle is on sale for $20 off! Regular priced $56, it’s on sale for $36
A lot of you have questions about whether the Guided Reading Mega Bundle is best for your class or the KinderReaders/FirstieReaders. That of course is your decision but I hope to explain both fully today so you’ll know! The mega bundles are both $30 off through 9/30! Woot!
Below I will have a quick recording you can listen on to me babble about the bundles and answer some of those initial questions about the bundles! You can click below to listen in!
I own your Kindergarten Endless Bundle so I had to own your First Grade Endless Bundle too since I know how amazing your work is! I’m thrilled with this product and the many ways it is helping my students to become better, more confident readers! I so enjoy coming back for the new updates! It’s like a gift that keeps on giving…and the real gift is the success that my students are achieving!You can view more about what your fellow teachers are saying below!
Below is a detailed list of what I explained in the sound bite above! You can see the two bundles are similar, but vary still! I didn’t mention it in the sound clip, but the units are completely separate of each other! The easy readers, packets, etc do not overlap! A lot of teachers have both bundles for even more differentiation options in the classroom!
Writing strips! These are in both the kindergarten and first grade bundles!In the sound bite above I also mentioned a master list for each of the bundles! These can be very visually overstimulating, but all of the information is there in one place HA! A lot of bundle owners as for these so I’ve included the images below, but also download links where you can store the PDF or print!
The kindergarten map below shows the two easy reader titles per week, their DRA levels, sight word focus, phonemic awareness skill, and the phonics/word work skill for the week!Download the Kindergarten master map HERE.
Phonics/letter names/sight words {3-4 minutes}
Book Study – -comprehension & fluency {5-6 minutes}
Guided Writing {5 minutes}
As the year progresses my guided reading lessons are divided as follows:
Book Study & Discussion {6-7 minutes}
Guided Writing {5 minutes}
We do work on fluency in other areas as well! Below the kiddos are working on my Chunkin’ it cards!
Build Background for the Book
Shared Read
Now it’s time to talk GIVEAWAY! I’m giving away a set of magnetic letters, 2 sets of magnetic whiteboards and a box of Expo markers! Woot! All things necessary for your guided reading table! You can enter the giveaway on the rafflecopter below or clicking HERE! Good luck!
If you are wanting to see how the kindergarten and first grade step by step guided reading packets would work for your kiddos you can download free samples of both! You can view a free week of kindergarten guided reading HERE and first grade HERE.
I have placed the kinder and first grade mega bundles on sale for $30 off! The prices are already changed so no coded needed!
FIRST GRADE ENDLESS MEGA BUNDLE << VIEW HERE >>
Also as mentioned above my KinderReaders and FirstieReaders FICTION bundles are $20 off!
FIRSTIEREADERS FICTION BUNDLE << VIEW HERE >>
If you have any questions about my guided reading resources or guided reading in general… please, please, please feel free to email me and I’ll be happy to help! Have a fabulous week!
Tara, I have the Kinder Guided Reading Mega Bundle but I’m having a hard time finding the poems for Monday lessons. Can you tell me where they are located within the bundle. Thanks!
They are behind the lesson plans for example page 60 and 112. Thanks!
I see that the Guided Reading Mega bundle says “endless”. Does that mean things are still being added to it?
I add items from time to time for free but it’s complete with all 32 weeks of guided reading there 🙂
Dear Tara,
Thank you for your wonderful post thoroughly explaining your products. In one of your videos, you mentioned that each individual leveled set would be $8. So, I intended to purchase your NR/AA/A set & found it to be $16 (9/24). Did I miss the sale?
Thank you in advance for clarifying,
Karen
The packets were that price when I first posted them last spring. They are regular price now. Sorry about that!
Hello! Loved the post… I am wondering if you use this format with each group EVERY day? So, each group would be doing a new book each day? Currently I break my groups up so that they are reading 2 new books a week. What are your thoughts? Thank you!
Hey there! My KinderReaders and GR mega bundle are both set up to spend 2 days per book 🙂 I meet with my groups every day but we only read new books 2 times a week 🙂
Tara