Strategy Groups

Back in January, I mentioned using The Daily CAFÉ website to gain ideas through reading articles and watching videos. You can also set yourself up to get a Tip of the Week emailed to you. At times, this can become one more thing to read, but I find the quick articles to be inspiring and easy to read.

One thing I know, is that conferencing is always on a teacher’s mind. How do you get to all your conferencing needs?  Strategy groups may be just what you need.

Unlike guided reading groups, strategy groups work with students who have similar goals, rather than similar reading levels. Having a group of students with varying reading levels can expose students to new thinking, and build a feeling of community in your classroom. Learners need to be able to apply the strategies to their own good-fit books. Strategy groups allow you to get to more students in a day, when used efficiently. These groups are flexible to allow students to move in and out of the groups as their needs change. Not all children in your room will be assigned to a group, some students will need their needs met through individual conferencing.

There are many great articles on The Daily CAFÉ, ranging from how to get started, how to refine goals, and how to collect data. If you need help getting started with these groups in your room, or would like to see it in action in your room, please let me know.