Small Groups for Big Readers

Ten Questions Answered About Core Reading Instruction in the K–5 Classroom (Implement small-group reading instruction.)

Taylar B. Wenzel, Analexis Kennedy, Dena D. Slanda, Melissa R. Carli

• Publisher: Solution Tree Press
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9781960574572
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education Teaching Methods

In Small Groups for Big Readers, the authors advocate for small-group reading instruction as an effective way for teachers to help all students grow as skilled, developing readers. Through small-group instruction, K–5 teachers can differentiate instruction by using evidence-based routines, adopting an asset-based lens, and selecting texts tailored to students' unique interests, needs, and goals, creating deeper engagement in reading.

K–5 teachers can use this book to:

• Understand and apply evidence-based routines that promote equitable, accessible literacy instruction
• Enhance students' reading and knowledge building through carefully planned interactions and opportunities with text
• Empower students by establishing clear goals and guidelines for small-group lessons
• Plan for extended learning opportunities that provide sufficient, deliberate practice for literacy development
• Extend professional expertise by selecting and adapting strategies to differentiate literacy instruction, using a flexible, choose-your-own-adventure format to customize learning based on individual goals and needs

Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: What Do I Know About My Students as Readers?
Chapter 2: How Does Differentiating Small-Group Instruction Promote Access and Equity?
Chapter 3: How Do I Connect to Whole-Group Instruction?
Chapter 4: How Do I Plan for Small-Group Instruction?
Chapter 5: How Do I Select and Evaluate Text?
Chapter 6: How Do I Engage My Readers During Small-Group Instruction?
Chapter 7: How Do I Monitor and Respond to My Students as Readers?
Chapter 8: How Does Writing Connect to My Small-Group Instruction?
Chapter 9: How Do I Build My Students' Disciplinary Knowledge?
Chapter 10: What Are the Rest of the Students Doing While I'm Teaching a Small Group?
Epilogue
Appendix: Leading the Learning Action Guide
References
Index

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Acknowledgments
• Table of Contents
• About the Authors
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: What Do I Know About My Students as Readers?
• Chapter 2: How Does Differentiating Small-Group Instruction Promote Access and Equity?
• Chapter 3: How Do I Connect to Whole-Group Instruction?
• Chapter 4: How Do I Plan for Small-Group Instruction?
• Chapter 5: How Do I Select and Evaluate Text?
• Chapter 6: How Do I Engage My Readers During Small-Group Instruction?
• Chapter 7: How Do I Monitor and Respond to My Students as Readers?
• Chapter 8: How Does Writing Connect to My Small-Group Instruction?
• Chapter 9: How Do I Build My Readers’ Knowledge?
• Chapter 10: What Are the Rest of My Students Doing While I’m Teaching a Small Group?
• Epilogue
• Appendix: Leading the Learning Action Guide
• References and Resources
• Index