This is the 3rd post in a series focused on helping you implement SOR in your classroom. The focus of this post is preparing your small group teaching space.
Now that we've explored the core components of the Science of Reading, it's time to get practical. Let’s look at setting up your small group teaching space, and ways to make it the most efficient, and enjoyable!
Why Small Group Instruction?
Small group instruction is where the magic happens. It’s our chance as teachers to meet our students where they are at and provide targeted intervention or enrichment. In small groups, students can focus on specific skills in their microphase, allowing for more personalized learning. This approach supports the Science of Reading by ensuring that each child is working on what they need most. To make the most of this precious time, we need a well-organized and thoughtfully designed space.
Choose the Right Location
Easier said than done! My preferred location just doesn't work in my classroom because I'm unable to see who is coming in and out of the room. The location that I am currently set up in isn't ideal, I need to be able to leave space and accommodate for an emergency window, and I'm aligned with student cubbies. There are challenges in every room, but here are some things to consider!
Kidney Table Setup: Many teachers use a kidney-shaped table, which is ideal for accommodating small groups. My current table is much smaller than my old one and can only fit 5 students max, and that is tight! When planning your groups, consider your table size and how students will use it. Can you fit 5-6 students at your table? If your table isn't large enough, what are some things you can do to enhance the space? Perhaps you can add an adjacent desk or small table at teaching time, use a pocket chart, rely on shared materials rather than individual, or reduce group sizes.
Accessible Materials: Position your table so you can easily reach your materials. Consider adding a nearby bookshelf or a 3-tiered cart for quick access to your small group kits, benchmarking kits, and other essentials. I have a bookshelf behind my table that houses 3 drawer bins. Each group gets a drawer with the materials for the week, and I have drawers with manipulatives. To the right of that bookshelf I have a built in shelf that houses materials, additional manipulatives, and assessment books. I also keep a pocket chart in the back to hang each groups focus keyword cards on.
Visibility: Arrange your space so you can see all areas of the classroom while working with your small group. This helps you monitor students engaged in independent work and maintain classroom management.
Gather Essential Materials
Small Group Kits: Keep your small group kits handy. These should include phonics cards, decodable texts, and any other tools you regularly use. I don't have room to keep ALL of this for all cycles in my small group area, so in a separate filing cabinet I keep envelopes for each cycles small group. When planning my small groups I pull from the small group envelope to develop my plans, add in any additional games or items needed, and a decodable with the focus skill. (need help putting together a small group kit? Take a look at these!)
Assessment Kits: Have your assessments within reach for quick checks and and progress monitoring. I cycle assess every Friday.
Manipulatives: Include letter tiles, magnetic letters, whisper phones, fun pointers (eye rings, wands, etc.) whiteboards, and markers for hands-on activities.
Books: Stock a variety of decodable books that match your students' skill levels so you can easily grab what you need each week. Again, I don't have space for this in my small group area, so these are stored in large bins in a back closet. I have small group sets of multiple supplemental decodables for each skill. This saves me from scrambling to print each week, and also allows me to easily change to another decodable if needed.
Organize for Efficiency
Containers and Bins: Use labeled containers and bins to keep materials sorted and easy to find. Consider color-coding for different groups or types of activities. I have learned that I am more of a drawer person than a bin person, so I use 3 drawer Sterilites for almost everything, including my group materials each week. I also use a rainbow color coding system for labeling activities and games that are being stored (red for alphabet, orange for CVC, etc). Want to keep all your group labels consistent? Check out these premade labels!
Caddies: Place caddies on the table with frequently used items like pencils, erasers, highlighters, and sticky notes. I keep a caddy on my small table next to my kidney table with group sets of markers, pencils, and other materials I may need.
Chart Stand: Have a chart stand or easel nearby for displaying anchor charts, vocabulary words, and other visual aids. I use a closet rack from Walmart (8 bucks!) to hang a pocket chart on. I change out keyword cards for each group. If you have the space, I love the countertop pocket charts too.
Create a Routine
Clear Expectations: Establish clear expectations and routines for your small group time. Students should know where to sit, what materials (if any) to bring, and how to transition smoothly.
Time Management: Some teachers use a timer to keep sessions on track. This helps ensure you can cover all planned activities without feeling rushed. I used to set a visual timer at the front of my room for each rotation "round". Since I have switched to Must Do May Do I no longer have timed rounds, instead setting a timer for the entire duration of rotations. I know that my small groups should last about 15 minutes and I keep an eye on the time myself, but not having a timer set has actually given me more freedom - I can end a session a few minutes early, or extend by a few minutes if needed.
Tips for Success
1. Personalize Your Space:
Add personal touches like a comfy chair for you or personalized tools for your students. Allow students to choose their own learning tools, like favorite markers. Incorporate flexible seating. I no longer use wobble stools at desks (each chair has a wobble cushion and bouncy band), but I will still use them at our small group table - it helps make it feel like a special space.
2. Stay Flexible:
Be prepared to adjust your setup as needed. What works for one group (or one teacher!) might not work for another, and that's okay! Flexibility is key. I tried to duplicate what I saw other teachers doing for a long time (scrapbook bins anyone?) and eventually learned that that system does NOT work for me! Overtime you will build a system that works for you and your students (and then someday it might not anymore and you will need to change it!).
3. Use Visual Aids:
Incorporate visual aids like anchor charts and keyword sound cards. These tools help reinforce concepts and provide a reference for students during activities. Remember when I said I had to move my small group table from my favorite location? The old location had a giant bulletin board behind me for anchor charts, and a clear view of our alphabet line. New location? Nope. So now I keep a pocket chart for visual aids, and alphabet strips for reference as needed.
4. Keep It Engaging:
Rotate materials and activities to keep things fresh and exciting. Engaged students are more likely to stay focused and motivated. It's so easy to change some manipulatives out seasonally! Instead of tiles or chips for mapping, use themed mini erasers. Have students work with scented crayons or markers. At Halloween use witch fingers for pointers. Have fun with your manipulatives!
Setting up an effective small group teaching table takes a bit of planning, but the payoff is huge. With an organized, efficient, and welcoming space, you'll be ready to provide the targeted instruction your students need to thrive.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll dive into specific strategies and activities for your small group sessions. Happy teaching!
