Virtual Guided Reading

One of the most daunting things can be attempting to teach little ones to read and write through the screen of a computer.  None of us because teachers so we could teach students from miles away.  Although I am not an expert, I will share some tips with you that have worked for me so far! Full disclosure-I currently teach third grade so some of these tips may need to be adjusted for younger students.

Tip #1: Use a second device.

Using a second device is a life saver! Most school districts and teachers for that matter do not want to put students in break out rooms by themselves.  When I begin my guided reading groups I put the entire class into one break out room so that my main session is empty except for me.  I am also present in that break out room and can keep my eye on the students as needed.  (I also have a second monitor so I can see all my students on my laptop and my powerpoint can be shared on my monitor.)

Tip #2: Have a plan.

I don't throw the whole class in the break out room without a plan of course.  The students are given instructions about what assignments they are to complete.  The assignments should be ones that they can complete on their own.  I often add audio to the assignment if there is text using online-voice-recorder.com so that my friends who have lower reading capabilities can complete the activities independently without needing to ask questions in the middle of my guided reading groups.  

Secondly, after the assignment the students know that they will read independently and add to their reading log as they read.  They are responsible to making a video using Flipgrid of themselves reading a passage of the book they are reading out-loud or retell something they have read that day in the video. This is a way to keep them accountable during the independent reading time.

Tip #3: Give them a visual aid.

My students always follow directions better when they have instructions in front of them that tell them exactly what they need to do during the independent reading time.  Here is the slide that I display.

All of the students are part of a leveled small group.  They know how to navigate going between he break out room and the main session easily.  

Tip #4: Make a quiet room rule.

My final tip is to make a quiet room rule.  When the students are in break out room #1 they have to stay muted at all times.  This keeps it quiet and a good environment for reading...at least in the  virtual world (and the things we can control).  

Hopefully these tips have been helpful to you and will help you with your virtual guided reading groups this year!

   Deb Avrick-Wray