Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading

by Julia Lindsey

With clear, classroom-tested instructional routines backed by science, teachers can confidently help their students build skills for reading success! Julia Lindsey’s new book answers teachers’ persistent questions about how to teach effectively in small groups, showing teachers how to identify specific “sticking points,” or needs, that students typically have―and then respond with routines and methods based on empirical research. This targeted, purpose-driven approach―sometimes requiring as little as five minutes of daily instructional time―moves the needle for readers at every point on the developmental spectrum. Small Groups, Big Results offers a practical framework for planning small group instruction, plus specific, actionable assessments and teaching moves to build better readers.

Genres: Education

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Reviews

[Karlee Buske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous! I love the research behind it all and how to use groups effectively. While written for how to do small groups in a general ed classroom, there is a lot of resources and tips for intervention (pull out) groups as well. Hoping to continue to look through the resources and share with my fellow resource room teachers for some additional work we can do with our students!

[Rachele Wagaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every teacher who is struggling with what small group should look like with the science of reading should read this book. I can’t wait to support teachers in the classroom with my knowledge gained from this book! It’s practical and full of ready and easily implemented routines.

[Linda Rhyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia has a refreshing way of carefully reading the evidence then turning it into something any teacher can apply. Her style of writing is like being in an easy-going conversation, but backed by research. By naming routines that teachers can add to their repertoire, she gives teachers a way to pair the science of learning with the science of reading. Bravo!!

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed how easily digestible this was. It was laid out in a way that made sense without being overly wordy. I also enjoyed how you could see the progression of where students needed to go without it being very obviously grade specific like other texts can be. This book has definitely made me feel more confident about what small groups can and should look like.

[Terre Lefler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for new teachers and seasoned ones. There is a plethora of information focusing on specific areas of teaching reading and how to strategically teach the vast amounts of topics that will help a child become a fluent and proficient reader. I liked how there were so many areas that focused on one tiny part, like maybe the child is not blending, or is having trouble with comprehension, and then gave the routines and how to address that hurdle with your students. Even though many of the evidence-based routines are ones I am already using, I still took away more knowledge and new routines that I can use in my own classroom. It is always great to know that what you are doing is backed up by research.

[Dominique Neumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

“By third grade, the range of reading abilities in a classroom can span 9.2 grade levels.” Boy, as a third grade teacher do I know this all too well. This book offered a plethora of resources to use and try out. It was very affirming in what’s best practice for teaching kids to read. I love how it started at the lower levels of reading (decoding, segmenting, blending) and worked up to comprehension and vocabulary. I feel like there was a routine I could take away for almost all my varied readers in third grade.

[Natalie Beckett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I may be old school, but I feel these books are written for those kids who can read but struggle with certain things in comprehension. These books are not written for those kids who have trouble reading period, research or not. I guess for you new teachers this would be a great book to guide you in small group instruction.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing was truly earth-shattering (fortunate to work presently at a school where we have had small group time for a very long time), but I appreciate seeing all of these routines and ideas in one spot, and I appreciate that I have access to some online materials thanks to her and this book (and the PD I signed up for).

[Samantha Porterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, practical and concise resource for supporting students in all areas of reading skill acquisition. I appreciated the “Does this sound familiar?” box and the teacher prompts and routines are easy to follow.

[Alisa June · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good if you’re an elementary teacher and want to expand on the activities you do for small group. It also has ideas for what to have other students do when you’re working with a group. Offers great assessments and resources.

[Bkrieth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Lindsey does it again-a firm research foundation transformed into clear, effective instructional plans. This is the exact sort of professional reading that working educators need.

[Michelle Baptista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful tips for small groups in classrooms. As a principal I’m excited to pass on this knowledge to my teachers!

[Teanna Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

practical, easy to read, understand and put into practice in the classroom right away!

[Kaila Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
So many actionable teaching points in here that will be easy to share with others!