Michael F. Opitz

A National Survey of Guided Reading Practices: What We Can Learn from Primary Teachers.

This study presents the results of a national survey of 1500 K–2 teachers describing understandings and practices related to guided reading. Results focused on five questions: What is the purpose of guided reading groups? What grouping techniques should be used? What texts should be used? How is instruction planned with and away from the teacher? And how are learners assessed during guided reading? Responses indicated confusion about the purposes of guided reading, variability in grouping techniques, static membership in groups, over reliance on narrative texts, inconsistent use of instructional level texts, extensive use of centers and independent seat work to engage learners away from the teacher, and frequent use of informal assessments. Implications for providing professional development to teachers implementing guided reading are discussed.

Shoulder-to-shoulder research with children: Methodological and ethical considerations:

This paper presents a methodological study with children where two different interview methods were utilized: the walk-around (a form of mobile interview) and the shoulder-to-shoulder. The paper reviews the methodological aspects of the study then provides a brief review of the history of methods employed in research with children. Finally the paper considers issues around conducting research with children in the areas of data generation, interview environment, power, and participant engagement. Throughout the article, narrative interludes, and the author’s personal reflections as parents and researchers are provided space for thought and narrative glimpses into the research experience.

Transcending the Curricular Barrier Between Fitness and Reading With FitLit

The author discusses how FitLit, childrens literature that spotlights the multiple aspects of health and well-being, offers a vehicle for integrating reading and fitness into existing classroom routines such as guided reading, read-alouds, independent reading, and reading and writing workshop. Sample FitLit titles are provided as well as a detailed lesson to show how fitness and reading can be integrated within the school day and how students can be encouraged to apply their learning in their everyday lives for optimal fitness and reading.

Understanding and Teaching English‐Language Learners

The authors review several professional resources designed to assist those working with students who are learning English.