A group of 5th graders read short text and use graphic organizers on main idea to deepen comprehension
I love Mainers! I worked with such a great group of teachers in Waterville, Maine last week. We studied the power of small groups. If we can remember why we teach in small groups, it’s easier to carve out time for this important part of the day.
Teachers in 4th-6th grade brainstormed these as their top reasons for using small groups:
1. Increases comfort level for students
2. Immediate feedback can be provided to students
3. Students can’t hide
4. Allows the needs of groups of students to be targeted
5. Helps teachers observe student learning more carefully
6. Provides opportunity to individualize instruction
7. Instruction can be more easily differentiated
8. Allows teachers to match reading levels and interest levels to students
What are some of the reasons you use small groups? Leave your ideas in the comments section!
Debbie Diller 
Congratulations Deb on your blog! It looks great to me, although I’m not a teacher. The vacation looks like you had fun. Good luck with it!!!!!
These are all great reasons above.
Usually I think about what I want to achieve and then try to think of the best way of doing it. Eg if a few students think they know the material very well I will divide them up as group leaders and ask them to teach. There is no better way to realize that maybe you don’t know the subject matter as well as you thought. Of course they are not set up to fail, I just ask them to lead the group and emphasize that everyone will learn something – all the while ignoring those skeptical looks. Believe it or not, this type of group situation works better for the advanced student.
This is just one example of the way I use groups. As I said earlier, I think about the purpose for grouping and divide accordingly