Small group instruction is one of the most effective ways to support students in learning to read. However, without the right structure, planning, and management, it can quickly become overwhelming. By applying the Science of Reading (SOR) framework to small group instruction, teachers can ensure their approach is research-based, accessible, and intentional.

This post will break down:

• What the Science of Reading says about small group instruction
• How to plan effective small group lessons
• Simple strategies for managing and organizing small groups

What is the Science of Reading?

The Science of Reading is a research-based approach that focuses on how students learn to read. It emphasizes five key components:

1. Phonemic Awareness – Recognizing and manipulating sounds in spoken words.
2. Phonics – Connecting sounds to letters and decoding words.
3. Fluency – Reading with speed, accuracy, and expression.
4. Vocabulary – Understanding word meanings.
5. Comprehension – Making sense of what is read.

In small groups, these components guide instruction, ensuring that students receive targeted support at their specific skill level.

Planning SOR Small Group Instruction

Effective small group instruction doesn’t happen by chance; it requires strategic planning. Here’s how to make it manageable and impactful:

1. Use Data to Group Students
   • Assess students using phonics screeners, running records, or other assessments.
   • Group students based on skill gaps, not just reading levels.
   • Keep groups flexible and adjust as students progress.
     
2. Structure Lessons for Maximum Impact
   Each small group lesson should follow a predictable routine:
   • Warm Up (2-3 min) – Quick phonemic awareness decoding or encoding drill. This could also be letter sound review.
   • Explicit Instruction (5-7 min) – Direct teaching of a specific “new skill”. This could be a review skill that the students have yet to master.
   • Guided Practice (5-7min) – Students practice “new skill” with teacher support. This could include word and sentence decoding and encoding.
   • Application (5-7 min) – Students apply the skill in reading & writing. This could be through decodable passages, word to sentence writing, and illustration of a passage to demonstrate comprehension.
   • Wrap Up (1-2 min) – Review key takeaways and how to apply it outside of the small group setting.
     
3. Keep Materials Organized and Accessible
   To make small group instruction seamless, have materials prepped and ready.
   • Use bins or folders for each group’s resources (word cards, decodable readers, whiteboards, etc).
   • Create a master planning template for quick lesson prep.
   • Keep a simple tracking sheet to monitor progress and make data-driven adjustments.
     
4. Foster Independence in Other Students
   Managing a classroom while running small groups is touch, so set clear expectations for independent work.
   • Use literacy centers with self-guided activities.
   • Implement visual schedules so students know their tasks.
   • Model procedures in problem-solving, and what to do if they need help while you are working with a small group.

The Science of Reading provides a clear, research-backed framework for small group instruction, but organization is the key to making it effective and sustainable. By strategically grouping students, structuring lessons intentionally, and keeping materials and classroom management streamlined, teachers can ensure that small groups are impactful without being overwhelming.

Start small, refine your system, and remember: progress happens one step at a time.