Strategy Group Lessons
A strategy group lesson format is identical to a whole-class focus lesson but the group is small—usually 3–6 students. The group is formed because these students all need instruction in a particular strategy. (NOTE: If the majority of the class needs this lesson, it can be taught as a whole-class focus lesson). At times, a strategy group revisits the concept from the whole-class focus lesson because a few students need additional practice at their own instructional level. A strategy group may also be formed to provide explicit instruction in one or more strategies that are unrelated to the daily focus lesson.
The teacher selects a text that supports that strategy. The teacher names the strategy, explains, and then briefly models that strategy using the selected text. For the Guided Practice portion of the strategy group lesson, students read the text, practicing the strategy with teacher guidance. At the end of the lesson, teachers remind students to use the strategy while reading independently. The teacher may decide to send the students back to their independent reading spots for the remainder of the workshop, or keep them seated together as a group so that s/he can provide additional support to these students while they read independently.
The teacher selects a text that supports that strategy. The teacher names the strategy, explains, and then briefly models that strategy using the selected text. For the Guided Practice portion of the strategy group lesson, students read the text, practicing the strategy with teacher guidance. At the end of the lesson, teachers remind students to use the strategy while reading independently. The teacher may decide to send the students back to their independent reading spots for the remainder of the workshop, or keep them seated together as a group so that s/he can provide additional support to these students while they read independently.
Strategy Group Lesson Planning Template*
Strategy |
|
Text and Other Materials |
Value |
Connection Set the tone. Link the new teaching to ongoing work and NAME THE TEACHING POINT. “Today I want to teach you…” |
I am very impressed with the reading work you are all doing! As I move around during independent reading time, I’m hearing… I’m also noticing… Today I want to teach you… |
Explicit Instruction Show them exactly how to do what is being taught. |
Let me show you what I mean… Model the strategy several times while students observe and listen. |
Guided Practice Ask them to try out what has been taught, either independently or collaboratively. Coach into the work. |
Now you will all have a chance to try… Listen in as students try the strategy, providing additional support as needed. NOTE: Use short text (poem, short story, article, excerpt from a book) that all students can read for the lesson. Or ask students to read a few pages from one of their Independent Reading books. |
Send Off Transition students from the lesson to independent work. |
So now you all have another strategy to add to your giant backpack full of things that readers do… |
* See the Strategy Group Lesson Planning Template in Appendix for a blank template.
