Small Group Instruction (EL)
Continuum of Balanced Literacy, Eden Prairie Schools
Nothing small about Small Group Instruction
Small group instruction is designed to provide differentiated teaching to all students. While many small groups take place during reading, small group instruction can take place throughout any part of the day to help individualize instruction. Effective small group instruction incorporates weekly schedules, clear objectives, readily available materials prepared and a growth mindset.
Small Group Instruction and Your Coach!
- Ask your coach to model specific small group instruction or you can model for your coach or a colleague a small group instruction practice.
- Ask you coach to video tape yourself teaching a small group instruction practice and reflect on it- the video tape is for your records only.
- Find out ways to collect different data on your students... how can you use reading logs or engagement surveys for flexible small grouping?
- Ask your coach for Ideas of how to help manage the other students in your class while you are meeting with small groups.
- Create a weekly schedule of small group instruction with your coach.
- Create smooth transitions for when small groups change with your coach.
Guided Reading
In the article, GUIDED READING The Romance and the Reality, Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell explain how guided reading has developed over the years into an even more powerful instructional practice teachers can implement into their classrooms. Take a peek at it and see if you're on the romance side, the reality side or somewhere in the middle.
Planning Guide
Use the planning guide as a structure to frame your lesson.
Click here for access to Planning Guide
Best Practices Checklist
Click here for access to the Best Practices Checklist