Making the Most of Small Groups: Differentiation for All

by Debbie Diller

In her previous books, "Literacy Work Stations" and "Practice with Purpose," Debbie Diller showed teachers how to productively occupy the "rest of the class" while meeting with small groups. Now Debbie turns her attention to the groups themselves and the teacher's role in small-group instruction. "Making the Most of Small Groups" grapples with difficult questions regarding small-group instruction in elementary classrooms such as: How do I find the time? How can I be more organized?How do I form groups? How can I differentiate to meet the needs of all of my students?

Structured around the five essential reading elements--comprehension, fluency, phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary--the book provides practical tips, sample lessons, lesson plans and templates, suggestions for related literacy work stations, and connections to whole-group instruction. In addition to ideas to use immediately in the classroom, Debbie provides an overview of relevant research and reflection questions for professional conversations.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Teachers, School

ebook

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides teachers with a lot of examples and resources they can use immediately in their classrooms. Although, sometimes it seems like she writes about dream schools (resources and specialist galore) I think any teacher in the K-3 classroom could find something in this book to enhance their teaching. Her appendix alone leaves you with some immediate resources. I also like her suggestions throughout the text of other books to read and everyday materials that can be transformed into a teaching tool. I also like her style of writing. It isn't heavy with educational buzz words and deep vocabulary. It is dense with information but in such a way that it is a manageable read.

[Amanda Deardorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for those who struggle to make the most of small groups. I used this book several times over the years. It has helped me guide how I want small group work to go with my students. Debbie lays out a framework that is logical and gives many tangible examples to guide her thinking. It has been very helpful in guiding me on how to build and run small groups.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do I find the time? How can I be more organized? How do I form groups? How can I differentiate to meet the needs of all of my students? These are the questions Debbie Diller addresses from the perspectives of small group instruction and the five fingers of literacy. Very practical with sample lessons, schedules, etc.

[Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great organization of small group literacy work focused on the five pillars; fluency, comprehension, phonics, phonemic awareness and vocabulary. Each chapter shows how to support K-3(4) students in small groups. Very important book for small group work!

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, even though "Literacy Centers" was better. This was very specific in what to teach in small groups which is a good thing to know. Debbie Diller is an excellent author for teacher books!

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working on this one. GREAT for educators!

[Marianne]

I've been reading this book for over a year. I love it but ran out of time. I have to get started again.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is re-envigorating how I'm teaching guided reading...
very helpful

[Bug]

Highly recommended to me by very experienced teachers--So I feel confident recommending it without reading. Have not yet had time to read.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, solid ideas for small-group instruction, but much of this is repetitive from her other books. The lesson plan templates look like they may be user friendly.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful resource for the elementary teacher. I don't know how I ever taught without it!

[John Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a good read. I love Diller's work.

[Laney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice practical ideas for differentiation in the classroom - tiering lessons, using Bloom's to level questions, and building choice boards.

[Christy Crane]

Amazing ideas for Small Groups. Genius!

[Lorelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

REally best for kindergarten, first, andsecond grade teachers. But I am taking many ideas to heart formy third grade classroom.

[Kathy]

Excellent book for guided reading, I love all of her books, and have learned so much from her.

[Natasha Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for creating and guiding small reading groups. Filled with great resources.