Making the Most of Small-Group Instruction Grades 3–5

How does authentic meaning-making with students who are truly engaged in thinking look, sound, and feel? Is this level of engagement truly possible in this day of standards and testing? And, how does a teacher ensure all kids are “on level”? Come explore how we can support all of our students to think and talk in ways that ensure both engagement and achievement. This session for Grades 3–5 teachers will explore how small group instruction builds children’s thinking processes as they co-construct and deepen meaning through talking with others.

As we explore small group instruction, these questions about practice will guide us:

• What best practices are critical for an engaging and effective small group lesson?
• How does instruction in small groups change over the year and across the grades?
• How do the Stages of Reading Development impact instruction in small groups?
• How can I support all my students to be “on level”? And, what about decoding?
• How do I group my students and how often should I change my groups?
• How does a teacher look beyond the level when selecting a text?
• What role does accountable talk play in small groups? How is talking well about a text taught?

Come join us as we explore how small group work can be an engaging part of making sure all students are achieving!