Which option best describes how guided reading supports a PK–3 literacy block?

• A. Silent independent reading without teacher support.
• B. Reading aloud alone with no discussion.
• C. Pairing students with peers for social reading.
• D. Readers read aloud with teacher support, receiving feedback and instruction.

Answer: (B)

Guided reading centers on teacher-supported, interactive reading in small groups with leveled texts and targeted instruction. In this setup, students read aloud with a teacher nearby who prompts, models strategies, and provides feedback. The teacher selects a text that challenges the reader but remains accessible, focuses on a specific skill or strategy (like predicting, questioning, decoding, or summarizing), and leads a brief discussion that reinforces understanding. Through guided feedback and targeted instruction, students practice applying strategies and gradually gain independence.

This is why it describes guided reading best: the reading is done aloud with sustained teacher support, plus feedback and instruction to help students grow. Silent independent reading lacks that guidance, reading aloud with no discussion misses strategy instruction, and peer-only social reading emphasizes collaboration over targeted teacher-led support.