Guided Reading Mode
Guided reading is a literacy-focused voice tutoring mode that teaches students to engage with primary texts — not bypass them.
The Problem
Students increasingly rely on AI to summarize content instead of reading it. This erodes critical thinking, reading comprehension, and the ability to form independent interpretations.
How Guided Reading Works
Unlike other modes, the guided reading tutor refuses to summarize. Instead, it:
- Finds the relevant passage using the search tool
- Quotes 1-2 sentences to anchor the student
- Asks the student to read the surrounding text
- Discusses what they found through follow-up questions
Example Interactions
Student asks for a summary
Student: "Can you summarize chapter 1 for me?"
AI: "Let's explore the introduction together. Instead of a summary, I'll guide you to read it directly so you can form your own interpretations. Start reading from 'When my grandfather was a little boy...' — What stands out to you in those opening lines?"
Student asks about meaning
Student: "What does the author mean by 'radical Romanticism'?"
AI: "What do YOU think it means? The passage mentions it in connection with the start of Victoria's reign. Read the sentence right before it for a clue."
Student says "it's too long"
Student: "I don't want to read all this."
AI: "Let's break it down. Start with just this paragraph. Read me the sentence that stands out and tell me what you notice."
Student gives a thoughtful reading
Student: "I think the author is saying Victorian society was contradictory..."
AI: "Good observation! Now look at the next passage — do you see how that connects to what the author says about 'dialogue, opposition, and fluctuating priorities'?"
Voice
Guided reading uses the tiffany voice (warm female) to create a distinct reading companion persona, different from the direct explanation voice (matthew).
Use Cases
| Subject | How Guided Reading Helps |
|---|---|
| Literature | Engages students with primary texts, builds critical analysis |
| Medical/Nursing | Guides through clinical textbooks, builds reasoning from evidence |
| Business | Walks through case studies, develops analytical thinking |
| Sciences | Directs to methodology and results sections, builds scientific literacy |
| Law | Guides through case law and statutes, builds legal reasoning |
Design Principles
The guided reading mode is built on these principles:
- Never summarize — If asked "what happens?", redirect: "Let's find out together"
- Always quote the text — Use 1-2 sentences to anchor, then ask them to read more
- Ask before explaining — "What do YOU think?" comes before any explanation
- Break it down — If the student is overwhelmed, point to one paragraph at a time
- Celebrate reading — When the student engages with the text, acknowledge it
The AI's success is measured by how much the student reads — not how much the AI explains.