Making Small Groups Work Series Part I

Managing small groups in an ELA classroom can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—especially with large class sizes and varying reading levels

 YEP,  I said that.  I was there once.  I feel you!

Do any of these thoughts come to your mind when you hear you need to be doing Small groups?

• How do you provide targeted instruction without losing control of the rest of the class? 
• How do you maximize your time and ensure every student is engaged?
• Ho w do you run small groups with vary Reading levels?

The good news?

Small groups don’t have to be chaotic or overwhelming. With the right strategies, you can make them efficient, effective, and impactful—giving students the personalized support they need while keeping your classroom running smoothly.

 Let’s break it down.

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Step 1: Setting Up for Small Group Success

The key to stress-free small group instruction is organization and structure

 Before you even start pulling groups, you need a clear plan for:

• Who needs what support, 
• When they need it?
• What will I use to implement and provide the instruction for the need?
• How will I monitor student progress?
• How the rest of the class will stay engaged?

The Number one concern I hear from educators is what will the other kids be doing and How can I hold them accountable.  Let's Talk----

Try This: Small Group Rotation System

✔ Set up predictable routines so students know what to do when they’re not in a small group.

• You need to make sure to model and practice expectations? 
•  You must hold those kids accountable?  If they fail to follow the routine, Reset and Repeat 

Here are  some suggestions on routines to introduce and practice: 

 1.  What to do when they are finished?

 2.   What to do if they have a question?

 3   What to do if I need to go to the restroom?

4.   What materials and resources they will need and how to access them?

5.   What is the golden rule when teacher is in a group?

 

✔ Use clear rotations (stations, independent work, book clubs, digital reading tools) to keep students accountable.

I love using Rotations  I will go a little deeper in another  part, but for now  just like the routine, rotations/stations need to be modeled and practice..

✔ Color-code materials for easy organization—one color per group!

Depending on the number of groups you have set up a system:  I use baskets and plasce materials in them.  Some people use the color coded carts with trays, other use color coded file folders  or binders.   

It is your decision,  pick something that is easy to manage, and easy to access.

Here is something I use:  I bought them off of Amazon (I am not an affiliate)

A well-structured rotation ensures you’re maximizing your teaching time while students work independently and purposefully.

Check out more resources for small group implementation HERE.  to learn more about each of the things mentioned in my blog series.

What’s your biggest small group challenge? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!

Hit the Follow button for  Making Small Groups Work  Parts 2-5

 #SmallGroupSuccess #TeachingELA #ReadingWorkshop.