Does small group instruction stress you out? Does it seem like extra work? I get it. But small group instruction gives us an opportunity to provide targeted instruction based on what our students actually need. Working with fewer students gives us more opportunities to observe their thinking, provide immediate feedback, address misconceptions, and give students more chances to practice skills with teacher support.
What is small group instruction?
Small group instruction is targeted teaching with a small number of students who have similar learning needs. In our kindergarten classroom, our small groups typically have 3–5 students and focus on specific reading, phonics, or math skills. Because the groups are flexible, students move in and out of groups as their needs change.
How do you group students for small group work?
Group students together in groups based on the skills they need to practice. These small groups are NOT the same as center groups. I focus on strategies and skills the kids need and make groups based on that. These groups change frequently based on the skills we teach and how students respond to that material. Again, these groups are formed based on data and observation. I use ESGI for our data and form groups based on anecdotal notes and observations. Just make sure your groups are fluid so students aren’t trapped in the same groups all year! Unfortunately, I can’t meet with every group every day. I do meet with every group every two days. And I see my students who need more support more often.
I also look at our benchmark data and look for the kids who in yellow tier and make sure to meet with them more frequently as well. Why? Because they’re making good, steady progress so I want to make sure I’m giving them support to keep that steady momentum going.
What do I teach in small groups?
We teach the skills the kids need! In our groups, we follow the gradual release model. I do, we do, you do. I model the skill (which has already been taught to the whole group as well), and then we practice together. Finally, the kids work on the skill on their own. While they’re working, I’m monitoring and supporting them. If they struggle, we go back to the “we do” step and practice together.
Our small groups always start with a quick review. This is usually sounds but can also be letters, oral blending, or segmenting. And then we move to the skill. Finally, we end with decodable text or dictation.
Reading Groups
Here’s what we might work in our reading groups:
- sounds and letter recognition
- letter formation
- decoding words
- word mapping
- dictating words
- word chaining
- decodable text
- sentence dictation
- word building
Math Groups
Our math small groups typically focus on the current skill we’re working on, but I also pull math small groups to work on foundational skills such as counting.
- counting
- number recognition
- one-to-one correspondence
- addition and subtraction
- comparing numbers
- number formation
For a closer look at how small groups fit into our full math block, check out our kindergarten math lessons and math block post.
Small Group Instruction: Materials and Organization
Small group materials are the same things we use for whole group.
- dry erase markers
- whiteboards
- magnetic letters
- letter cards
- crayons
- pencils
- felt tip markers
To make small group instruction easier to plan and manage, we created our Small Group Math and Literacy Tools Bundle. It includes 6 resources designed to help with planning, organization, and hands-on instruction so you can spend less time prepping and more time working with your students.
Get the Small Group Math & Literacy Tools Bundle
Small Group Resources
Here are the tools we use in small groups:
Free File
Get a free alphabet chart:
