Writing routines belong in your literacy block, and Emily will tell you how! Listen below:
Small group instruction is one of the most talked-about components of the literacy block—and often one of the most misunderstood.
Many upper elementary teachers feel pressure to meet with every student every week, maintain a rigid rotation schedule, or create entirely separate lessons for each group…. but effective small group instruction isn’t about checking boxes or managing complicated systems. It’s about providing targeted support based on what students actually need.
In this episode, we’re wrapping up our Your Literacy Block series by taking a closer look at small group instruction and simplifying the process. We’ll answer five essential questions:
- What is small group instruction and why does it matter?
- What does effective small group instruction look like?
- How is it different from whole group instruction?
- How much time should teachers spend in small groups?
- What can teachers actually teach during small group time?
You’ll learn why small groups should be driven by assessment data, classroom observations, and student work rather than predetermined schedules. We’ll discuss how small groups can provide additional practice, feedback, and support that simply isn’t possible during whole group instruction.
We’ll also explore practical examples of how small groups can be used to:
- Strengthen comprehension skills
- Support students with text evidence and written responses
- Build morphology and vocabulary knowledge
- Address decoding and foundational reading gaps
- Increase fluency and reading accuracy
Most importantly, you’ll walk away with a new perspective on small group instruction: it isn’t another thing to add to your plate. It’s simply a way to provide students with the targeted teaching, practice, and feedback they need to be successful readers.
Whether you’re trying to refine your current small group routine or build one from scratch, this episode will help you create a more intentional and manageable approach to supporting all readers in your classroom.
Stop asking, “How can I meet with every student?” and start asking, “What do my students need?” Your assessment data, observations, and student work will guide you toward the most effective small group instruction for your classroom.
Resources to Support Small Group Instruction:
- Join The Stellar Literacy Collective – Need help planning your small groups? Inside the Stellar Literacy Collective, you’ll find over 500 ready-to-use literacy resources designed to help you provide targeted instruction without the overwhelm. From comprehension and morphology lessons to fluency practice and intervention support, you’ll have everything you need to strengthen your small groups while supporting your entire literacy block.
- If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Intervention Strategies for Struggling Readers with Shannon Moore
- Navigating the Challenges of Required Curriculum
- Dear Stellar Teacher: Our Phonics and Intervention Confessions (and What We’d Do Differently!)
Connect with me:
- Join my newsletter
- Shop my TPT store here
- Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
- Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company
The Stellar Literacy Collective (SLC) is a membership designed for upper elementary teachers who want strong, effective literacy instruction… without spending hours planning every week.
Inside SLC, you’ll find ready-to-use, research-aligned lessons for reading, writing, and word study that work together to create a research-backed framework. From whole group comprehension lessons and vocabulary routines to small group supports and writing instruction, everything is built around consistent systems that support real classroom implementation.
If you’re tired of piecing lessons together or feeling like every week requires a brand-new strategy, SLC offers structure and clarity. It helps you simplify your literacy block, teach with intention, and create meaningful growth for your students!
Click HERE to learn more!
When you are looking for done-for-you small group instruction ideas and routines, The Stellar Teacher Podcast is here to support you. Each episode is designed to empower upper elementary teachers to simplify lesson planning, strengthen classroom routines, and build confident, capable readers without burnout. Every episode is full of teacher tips! Teaching doesn’t have to feel overwhelming to be effective. With practical strategies, honest conversations, and systems that work in real classrooms, you can protect your energy while still delivering meaningful instruction. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with encouragement and actionable ideas to support your literacy block all year long.
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