* Guided reading is an approach where the teacher works with a small group of students who can all read similar levels of texts and demonstrate similar reading behaviors.
* The text (developmentally appropriate books called leveled readers) should be easy enough for students to read with a teacher's support.
* The approach recognizes that a wide range of reading abilities exists within any grade level or age group, and that reading at the appropriate levels ensures success.
* The teacher monitors and guides the reading of each child as needed.
* The text should offer challenges and opportunities for problem solving, but also should be easy enough for students to read with some fluency.
* Each session, 15 to 25 minutes, begins with the teacher introducing a book, eliciting prior knowledge, and building background.
* Discussion of the book follows, and the child keeps the book to read repeatedly.
* Subsequent lessons at the lower levels usually use an entirely new book.

The goal of Guided Reading is for students to become fluent readers who can problem solve strategically and read independently and silently.