Guided reading is an integral part of the learning process for children. As teachers, we have the unique opportunity to shape young minds and witness a variety of emotions over the course of our careers. Here are 16 faces all guided reading teachers will undeniably recognize in their students.
1. The “Eureka!” Face: The moment when a child finally grasps a concept or masters a challenging word, their eyes light up with excitement and pride.
2. The “Determined” Face: When a student furrows their brow and focuses intently on decoding words and comprehension.
3. The “Confused” Face: Often accompanied by furrowed brows and their head tilted to one side, this face represents the moment a student encounters an unfamiliar word or idea.
4. The “Frustrated” Face: It is easy to spot as teeth grit, eyebrows furrow, and the student sighs heavily – a sure sign they’re struggling with the material.
5. The “Aha!” Face: Often occurring post-confusion, this face displays understanding as their eyes widen, and they nod in agreement with newfound knowledge.
6. The “Bored” Face: Loose body language, frequent yawning, and staring into space signal disinterest or lack of engagement in the current reading material.
7. The “Shy” Face: This child may be extremely introverted or hesitant to participate in group activities, showing visible discomfort in social situations.
8. The “Curious” Face: Their eyes dance over the page as they hunger for knowledge; this student seeks answers to questions raised during reading time.
9. The “Bookworm” Face: A mix between curiosity and delight, these students immerse themselves in books completely, always eager for more reading time.
10. The “Amused” Face: Laughter fills the room as this student enthusiastically engages with the text, reacting positively to funny or entertaining aspects of the reading material.
11. The “Nervous” Face: Students may appear panicked or anxious when they are faced with a difficult task or pressured to perform well.
12. The “Sleepy” Face: Droopy eyes, head hanging low on hands – we’ve all come across students struggling to stay awake and focused during reading time.
13. The “Cheerleader” Face: This student supports and encourages their fellow classmates with smiles, nods, and words of encouragement.
14. The “Chatty” Face: With a grin on their face, these students eagerly engage in conversations with their classmates during group discussions or share their thoughts out loud.
15. The “Skeptical” Face: A raised eyebrow and questioning side-glance indicate skepticism regarding a concept or theme introduced in the reading material.
16. The “Accomplished” Face: Exuding confidence and self-assuredness, these students are proud of their accomplishments as they face challenges head-on and emerge triumphant.
These varying emotional expressions demonstrate the wide range of learning experiences children undergo daily. As guided reading teachers, we watch as our students tackle challenges, overcome obstacles, get lost in literature, and celebrate their achievements!
