Guided Reading Organization

I've used Reading A to Z, Rigby Readers, and DRA books for guided reading instruction. I have found some simple ways to keep myself and my students organized. I hope you can use these ideas! 

2 benchmark books for each level with running record sheets - 1 on each side of pocket dividers

Master copies of leveled books go between each divider

Levels are separated with color pocket dividers

I use a 2-pocket folder that goes with each group's color for me and for my students (I usually have 5 groups of about 4 or 4 groups of about 5 depending on the year.)

Each student has a gallon-sized Ziploc bag inside their guided reading folder with their books in it. If they have group with me that day, then they have a strategy homework sheet that goes along with their book. It might be a sequencing graphic organizer, phonics, etc.

Edit: I now have the kids put their guided reading bags in these pocket charts from Really Good Stuff. It's magnetic, so I hang it on the back of one of my metal book shelves and the kids grab it whenever they need it instead of interrupting my guided reading group.

I use an accordion briefcase to store extra books and worksheets so that I'm ready to go whenever a group switches books or levels.

I use this sheet to plan and track anecdotal notes. 

Get those binders, folders, and dividers on Staples Teacher Appreciation Day (August 20 in New Jersey) or at Walmart's Back to School Sales!

Touch Math Giveaway

Teaching Happily Ever After has teamed up with Touch Math for a giveaway worth $150. I have found this program to be excellent for my struggling learners. I especially like Touch Money because it uses a multisensory approach to teaching. Children learn to count coins by ones and fives so they don't struggle while switching from counting quarters by 25, dimes by 10, nickels by 5, etc. If you've never used the program, check it out here and download free sample pages. Click the button to take you to her site to enter the TouchMath giveaway!