How to Plan Differentiated Reading Instruction: Resources For Grades K-3

Now revised and expanded with more than 50% new material, this book has helped tens of thousands of K-3 teachers to plan and deliver effective literacy instruction tailored to each student's needs.

The authors provide a detailed framework for implementing differentiated small-group instruction over multi-week cycles. Each component of the beginning reading program is addressed: phonological awareness, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

In a large-size format with lay-flat binding for easy photocopying, the book includes 58 reproducible lesson plans, instructional activities, assessment forms, and other tools. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials.

New to This Edition:

• Differention 2.0: the approach has been fine-tuned based on field testing, new research findings, and current standards and response-to-intervention frameworks.
• Many additional reproducible tools, such as coaching templates and the Informal Decoding Inventory.
• Beyond lesson plans and materials, the second edition offers more guidance for designing instruction and grouping students, making it a one-stop resource.
• Reproducible tools now available to download and print.

Audience: Classroom teachers in grades K'3; staff developers and reading coaches; teacher educators.

Table of Contents

1. Setting the Stage
2. Models of Differentiation and Tiered Instruction
3. Using Assessments to Guide Differentiation
4. Targeting Phonological Awareness and Word Recognition
5. Targeting Word Recognition and Fluency
6. Targeting Fluency and Comprehension
7. Targeting Vocabulary and Comprehension
8. Making Differentiation Schoolwide

"A smart, 'must-have' book for teachers, interventionists, and literacy coaches. Walpole and McKenna present a roadmap for a coordinated approach to assessment and instruction, while keeping the focus on the needs of individual students. The volume offers cost-effective models of instruction to meet the diverse needs of young learners. The many reproducible lesson plans and other tools are a bonus!"
- Jennifer Allen, MEd, literacy specialist/coach, Waterville Public Schools, Maine

"This practical book provides the specific guidance needed for precision teaching that differentiates reading instruction in daily practice. The authors answer the many 'how-to' questions about planning and logistics that beginning (and even more experienced) teachers are likely to have. The lesson plans are certain to be well thumbed, not only as instruction-ready resources, but also as models for creating additional lessons targeting essential skills. This second edition will be a welcome addition to the professional libraries of all educators who want to provide high-quality primary-grade reading instruction."
- Kathleen A. Roskos, PhD, Department of Education and School Psychology, John Carroll University

"The book's realistic, straightforward approach to differentiation provides teachers a viable way to embed differentiation into the classroom. The step-by-step plans and assessment system enhance professional learning. Teachers will appreciate how this book helps them plan and problem solve."
- Cary B. Riches, EdD, Director of Curriculum and Instruction (PreK'12), Brandywine School District, Wilmington, Delaware

"This exemplary text addresses all five components of effective reading instruction and is particularly strong in its coverage of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. It promotes explicit and systematic instruction of phonics and provides practical guidance in all areas through the inclusion of planning guides and sample lessons. This text’s discussion of fluency is weaker than the other areas and should be supplemented with additional content on fluency assessment and instruction."
- National Council on Teacher Quality  read the full review