Students come into your classroom at all different levels. Some students are really strong in reading and others need a bit more support. It can be hard to reach each student at their level but as teachers it’s our job to try! Throughout my years teaching, I’ve learned some tips to challenge my high readers.
Some years, I have students come in to my kindergarten classroom already reading (normally incoming kinders don’t read yet). Other years, I’ve had students come in reading at a first grade, second grade, even third grade level! This has been a challenge for me as I figure out what I need to do with these high readers.
Tips for Challenging Your High Readers
Use Small Groups
I recommend using small groups in both reading and math. Students will always come to your class at different levels and by using small groups, you’re better able to tailor lessons to your students needs. Sometimes, my high reading groups only consist of one or two students… that’s okay! If you can split your class up this much and have enough things for other groups to do, I highly recommend you do this.
To read about small groups during guided math check out the posts below.
All Your Guided Math Questions Answered: A Collaborative Post with Sam Ripley
Everything You Need to Know to Launch Guided Math in Your Classroom
How to Write Differentiated Lesson Plans to Use During Guided Math
Ask Open Ended Questions
When they’re in these small groups (or even if you don’t do small groups) ask your high readers open-ended questions. Critical thinking questions and open-ended questions give students the opportunity to really have to think about their learning and about what they’ve read.
Give Challenge Work
Giving challenge work does not mean extra work, it means giving them meaningful work that challenges them. When I give challenge work for my high readers, I think about the comprehension skill for the week and I find a worksheet or an activity that goes along with the comprehension skill. I also look for work that will make them think more than something the rest of the class is doing. When you give meaningful work, you’re challenging your higher readers.
These are some ways I’ve found to challenge the students who need a challenge. What do you do for your high readers?
