Guided Reading Student Data
Start organizing your student data today!
Guided Reading is my favorite part of the day! Really, it is! It is where all the magic happens. It is where you see readers blossom right before your eyes. Guided Reading is such a powerful component to literacy instruction. However, it can be overwhelming! Trust me, I’ve been there and I’m still learning new strategies and practices!
I want to share a few tools that have helped me tremendously! Collecting and analyzing student reading data is so important. Student data allows you to form small groups, see student progress, and see areas that need guided instruction and practice.
Guided Reading Student Data Binder
Organize your student data with a data binder!
You NEED a data binder or something you can use to keep all your data in one place. I love using a binder because I can easily bring it with me to my small guided reading groups or to a data meeting. Inside the binder I keep a page for each student. I love using tabs because I can quickly find a specific student.
Easily organize and track student data!
Each student page has an area for goals, notes, and data.
Collecting Student Data
I collect two main types of reading data; oral reading fluency and guided reading levels. I progress monitor oral reading fluency every 2-3 weeks. You may be thinking, how do I have time to do this? You’re right, there isn’t enough time, but there will never be enough time. Be creative! It only takes a minute for each student to read. I pull students during morning work, during RTI, during independent reading time, etc. I have even had assistants or parent volunteers progress monitor. I am very fortunate that my school district provides us with fluency passages to use. I assess guided reading levels 3-5 times a year. My school district also provides us with leveling kits. My school district goes above and beyond providing us with the resources we need and want.
Student Data Notes
I use sticky notes for anecdotal notes. These notes are used to record specific observations, behaviors, skills, etc. Once the sticky note is filled up, I simply add it to the back of the student page in my binder. That way I have all my notes from the year. I usually tape them down too, just to make sure they don’t get lost.
Reading Goals
I’ll be honest, student goals, are the hardest thing for me to keep up with. They are constantly changing. However, having the goals at my finger tips is key!
Students can also track their goals!
I use the same goals that my students use for their Reading and Math Goal journals. These goals drive my instruction and help me form reading groups. I refer back to these often when I’m working with students.
Student Data Bins
Organize student data in group bins!
If data binders aren’t your thing, try using student data bins! These are just as easy to bring to your guided reading table. Each bin contains the group member’s data page. These pages are similar to the ones I currently use in my data binder.
Easily track student data!
Whatever you choose, make sure it works for YOU! I originally used the bins, but I am currently using the binder. For me, the binder was much easier to keep on a shelf and easier to take to meetings.
If you’re looking for more Guided Reading tools and resources, please check out below!
