We explore two very different KS2 Guided Reading Groups: Princess May Primary in East London, an inner city school whose pupils have English as an additional Language and Gade Valley School, Herts, which has a more homogenous rural intake. Both sets require creative and energetic teaching to help their children reach their full potential in reading. The techniques employed to capture pupils' interest are relevant to KS1 and KS2 readers of all ability ranges. Princess May Primary Headteacher Stephen Spooner is fortunate in having a Spanish Year 5 teacher, Giovanna Ionta, leading the guided reading with a mainly Spanish-speaking group, some of whom still struggle with complex English words. At Gade Valley School we follow the progress of a mixed average and below average group of Class 4 readers. The guided reading session is based on the non fiction topic of friction. Adding guided reading to the school's APP has significantly lifted standards in reading throughout the school.

Video Series: Good Practice
Release Date 2010