POSTED AT 05:05 PM
I plan my lessons for small group instruction based on what each group of students need. Through the use of formal and informal assessments I identify what skills and concepts will be reinforced or taught during small groups. I also integrate science and social studies into our small groups so the lessons are meaningful and relevant to what the students are learning.
Thanks for sharing your suggestion about organizing the observations and informal data that you use to plan for small group instruction. I've already seen several teachers preparing their own index card boxes!
Since my groups are pretty much made for me and I am working with the top students, I try to use novels and short stories to extend the Standard Course of Study for each grade level. I am focusing on higher level thinking and questioning using novels and would like to eventually organize these reading groups into literature circles. I will also be using picture books to allow students to get a deeper meaning of complex subjects. I will try to have these picture books relate to social studies in that grade level when possible.
As I plan for the next week, I try to use an educated guess and prior observation to see where the students may have difficulty. Then I plan a reinforcement activity that centers around the that objective. Of course, I utilize any and all the data I have - objective and subjective in my planning. Furthermore, I also create a small group that is reinforcing one or more previously taught skills so the students stay current with this knowledge.
I really like the idea of using picture books to teach reading comprehension. I am still going to locate my list and will share it.
I plan small group instruction by looking at the needs of my students. I identify their needs by looking at assessments and from observations. I utilize the dibels support, Houghton Mifflin Intervention Book, the basal mini lessons and activities I've accrued.
I try to plan my small group instruction according to the needs (both strengths and weaknesses) that I see on a daily basis in their work, and their learning habits. I am currently using a variety of resources: I have some great books on small group instruction; a find ideas online; and I have observed 2 other teachers in the building which generated new ideas.
Molly- I agree that we can really learn a lot from observing others including new teaching methods... If anyone else is interested in observing other classrooms please let me know! I'd love to come in and cover your classroom!
I plan lessons according to many different resources, trying to tie in Social Studies/Science content areas as much as possible in our reading materials as well. I plan skills/stations depending on prior tasks, previous assessments, observations, etc .
I would also love to observe others in the building for ideas for games/activities for reading...so as to steal themand re-vamp for upper grades! All of my "good ideas" are from someone else!I was jealous that my intern was allowed to observe so many different teachers! ha! :)
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How are you currently planning lessons for small group instruction? What resources do you use? How are you linking what you teach in small groups to other instruction throughout the day? 