How to Teach Reading Small Groups in 4 Easy Steps!

My favorite part of teaching reading is small groups. I feel like it's where you get to really dig in deep with kids and where you can make the biggest impact.

There's one big problem with small group reading instruction........we teachers are often just thrown to the wolves. We are often given a curriculum, resources, heck... even a literacy coach for whole-group reading instruction; but for small groups we are left hanging.

After much research and trial and error here are the blueprints I follow for impactful reading small groups!

I follow the following steps: Target, Teach, Practice, Monitor

Target

Use data to group students based on reading level, skills, or needs. Keep groups small just 4-6 students, but the smaller the better. And always be flexible—adjust groups as students progress. Just because Johnny is in one group to start the year should not mean he stays there all year long!

Teach

To maximize what little time I know you have use a predictable structure (e.g., warm-up, reading, discussion, practice).

I love small groups because they allow for more interaction than whole group lessons so remember to:

• Ask guided questions to encourage discussion.

• Use think-aloud to model comprehension strategies.

• Have students make predictions, connections, and inferences.

• Use scaffolding techniques like sentence starters or graphic organizers.

  
  

I know some of us are visual learners and learn best with examples so here is a small group reading lesson I wrote on personification for the "teach" portion of the small group blueprint.

Practice

Notice how I didn't title this section "Independent practice?"😉

The biggest mistake I see teachers make when it comes to reading small groups is "independent practice." Independent practice in a small group setting should not mean the student is fully independent while you check your email or start cleaning up the table.

Practice during small group is a crucial time for you to "lay in wait" for them to need guidance. Practice in a small group setting is a beautiful time for you to practice the art of "let them".......or the art of teaching.

Practice does not have to be a worksheet either! Can it be? Sure! But it can also look like hands-on activities (word sorts, sentence building). or you could incorporate games or partner reading. Finally, if precious time allows remember to let students discuss and share their thoughts.

Here is the practice portion I wrote for the above personification lesson!

Monitor

While monitor is listed last in this small group blueprint it doesn't necessarily have to happen at the end, as long as it is happening! Monitoring should be woven into the entirety of the small group because it's part of the multitasking superpower most of us teachers have and can look like:

• Taking anecdotal notes on student progress.

• Using informal assessments

• Adjusting instruction based on data.

If you are just starting out, changing grade levels, or revamping your reading small groups I hope this 4 step blueprint helps get you started!

Want some done for you plans to get you going or to simply save time? I've got you! I spendt MONTHS writing and creating 30 small group reading lessons that follow this blueprint.

Shop Reading Small Group Lessons

Happy teaching friends!

Lindsey is a former elementary teacher with a passion for education. She loves supporting teachers and students with resources that make an impact on the lives of students!