Guided reading is an effective instructional approach in which students read a teacher-assigned text at their instructional reading level and participate in activities and lessons that are tailored to the unique learning needs of the group. The goal of guided reading is for students to be able process increasingly challenging books with fluency, accuracy and comprehension.

Each Little Way Readers group meets for 30 minutes, three times a week for a total of 90 minutes of quality reading instruction and practice each week.

We are currently ONLY enrolling 2nd and 3rd grade students or students reading at a corresponding level (levels F-Q).

We use the Literacy Footprints Assessment Kit as the main tool for assessing a child’s reading level. Each assessment book is leveled according to the Fountas & Pinnell Reading Level System. From there, we will be able to provide parents with their child’s instructional and independent reading levels as well as group students accurately according to reading level.

We always start with a 30-45 minute initial assessment that occurs before a child is even enrolled in The Little Way Readers. From there, the teacher consistently monitors a child’s reading level through informal running records that are taken periodically during group sessions. We also formally assess each student every 6 weeks during separate one-on-one sessions.

It is recommended that children read at their independent reading level for 30-40 minutes during the school day. After school, they should spend an additional 15-20 minutes either reading independently or with a fluent reader.

A student’s reading will progress gradually as they receive guidance and instructional scaffolding from the teacher. As students are exposed to increasingly challenging texts, their reading abilities expand due to the guided application of previously taught skills. Consistency in guided reading and student effort are key components of reading growth. Parents will receive an update on their child’s reading progress after their private assessment which occurs every 6 weeks. Students typically progress 1-2 reading levels per semester.

Please reach us via email at rferullo@thelittlewayreaders.com 

No! The Little Way Readers welcomes homeschool children of all faiths to enroll. Although we require that all children are respectful of our Catholic faith and the religious beliefs of their peers during times of prayer and throughout the duration of each session.

A text at a child’s instructional reading level provides just the right balance of struggle and ease in order to ensure reading growth when guided by a teacher.

A text at a child’s independent reading level is the highest level at which a child can access while making very few errors and at which they can also demonstrate accurate comprehension and understanding. Parents/guardians should think of the independent level as the highest level they would ask their child to read without help. 

While there is not a specified dress code for The Little Way Readers, students are expected to dress appropriately. Appropriate dress includes clothes that cover the student’s torso from their shoulders through to their knees. Clothing should be day clothes (no pajamas) and free of any violent or offensive language or pictures.

All Little Way Readers should come to each session with a writing utensil (pencils preferred), Word Study Set, headphones/microphone, webcam and charged device that is logged into their Digital Reader accounts. 

There will be no required homework given but the teacher may assign independent reading books to each group through their Digital Reader accounts that will be available each week should a child want to gain additional reading practice at their independent level. The teacher may also offer optional activities that students can complete outside of their regular group sessions, to receive additional practice of phonics, fluency, or comprehension skills.

If a student will be unable to participate in their guided reading session for any reason, parents/guardians are expected to contact the teacher via email before their child’s session is scheduled to begin. Please contact us at rferullo@thelittlewayreaders.com.

Students will receive 2 free make-up sessions per semester. If students are only enrolled for 4-weeks, they will have 1 free make-up session. These sessions will be held the day after the absence (unless the student missed a Thursday session, in which case they will have their make-up on Tuesday). The sessions will be a 15 minute private session with the teacher to go over what was missed. These sessions will take place during any open Private Assessment slot or 15 minutes before/after the student’s next group session. *Please note: There is only 15 minutes between each guided reading group session so if the make-up is scheduled before the child’s next group session, students may have less than 15 minutes due to unforeseen circumstances involving the previous group’s session. We will do our best to avoid such events from occurring.

If students are absent more days than the number of free make-up sessions they are allowed, students will receive a credit for the missed day when they enroll in the next semester or 6-week session. When it is time to re-enroll, parents are responsible for contacting rferullo@thelittlewayreaders.com to request a coupon code that will provide the credit for the number of absences accrued during the semester that surpassed the number of free make-up sessions allowed (as described above). Please note, that monetary refunds will not be given for absences except in extreme instances of serious illness or injury.