Setting the Stage for Guided Reading-Part 2 of 4: Essential Supplies

Welcome Back! This is part 2 of a 4-part series on how to get prepared for a successful implementation of guided reading this year.  Last week, we looked at how the design of your classroom can impact your ability to pull groups when the time comes.  This week, we are going to think about materials that need to be readily available in the small group area and some systems to

consider.  After all, it is school supply time, and all of the stores have major sales on these materials right now.  Between Dollar Tree, the Wal-Mart school supply aisles, and the Target Dollar Spot, you can stock your guided reading area with everything you need for under $30. So here’s my essential guided reading supply list:

Baskets/Tubs
I like Dollar Tree for baskets because you can get 2-3 medium plastic tubs for $1, but Target has sturdier tubs in bright colors for about $3 in their dollar spot occasionally.  I suggest getting about 5-6 baskets-or one for each group.  These baskets can hold bulky items (like dry erase boards) and also become browsing boxes. When students have read a book in guided reading groups, put a copy of it in a “browsing box”.  This box can be pulled out when students are waiting for everyone to finish reading or as a way to transition while they wait for all the group members to get to the table.  Personally, I like
labeling baskets with numbers and putting the materials for each group’s lessons for that week in them. That way, when a group comes to the table, I just grab their basket and everything is there.

Binder
When you conduct guided reading groups, you want to take anecdotal notes and be able to reference them easily so that you can make flexible group changes when needed.  Binders are great for keeping everything in one place. I suggest a 1-inch or 1.5 inch binder with the following tabs:

• Class tab-Have the first tab in your binder be a class tab.  This is where you can put class summary data. You might put a class running record chart that shows everyone’s levels at a glance. This is where you might also put a list of your guided reading groups for quick reference. 
• Monthly tabs or Alphabet tabs-After the class tab, create monthly tabs where you can put guided reading plans after you have used them. You could use alphabet tabs instead and put the plans behind the tab related to the level of book that plan was created for.  Then you can easily access them again if you use that book with another group later. 
• Student tabs-Use alphabet tabs or write-on tabs to create a section for each student.  Keep informal anecdotal notes pages and running records that have been done behind the tabs along with samples of student work that reflect growth or need in particular areas. 

Caddy with a handle or Organizer with Plastic Drawers
Having materials within an arm’s reach is crucial if you want the 10-15 minutes you have with students at your table to be used efficiently.  Every time you have to get up and walk to your desk or to another area of the room to get something, time is wasted.  So, make sure to have either a plastic caddy with a handle or an organizer with drawers where you can keep the following:

• Individual Whiteboards
• Dry erase markers & erasers (or tissues/rags)
• Sentence strips or notecards
• Scissors (teacher size)
• Paper
• Pencils
• Sticky notes

Folders
I think the best folders for guided reading are the ones with the brads and pockets.  I like having a different colored folder for each group.  Inside the folder prongs, put individual notes sheets or just plain paper. Put the name of each student in the group on a different piece of paper and use that to take informal running records or anecdotal notes when working with that group. Just make sure to put the date and title of the book they are reading (with the level) so you have some context when you reference the notes later. When you have filled up a page, put it behind the student’s tab in your guided reading binder. In the left-hand folder, put your guided reading lesson plan(s) for that week. Put reading behavior checklists related to that particular reading level in the other pocket for easy access.

Gallon Size Ziploc Bags
I suggest getting at least 2-3 packages of gallon size Ziploc Bags.  Put student names on a bag and use them to send books home. You can put activities or reading goal cards in the bags to help parents know what students are working on or how they can help at home. You can also use them to keep books organized. Put sets of books in a bag and label the bag with the level.  Use a file crate with hanging folders to keep your books in order.

So there you go....my guided reading school supply list.  I'd love to hear what you would add to the list or see pics of how you have organized your guided reading area.

Come back next week to talk about TIME and how to organize your schedule to make sure you have enough of it for guided reading!