Years ago, before we began working with flexible strategy groups, we'd organize small groups based on reading level. We'd present a new story each week, the vocabulary, highlight a skill or strategy specific to the selection, and students would practice it all week. We have changed how we run our small groups.

The goal of the grouping now is to introduce, practice and reinforce a strategy that students have a common need for. Students bring their own book boxes and practice the strategy with their self selected books. Using their own books to practice leads to more authentic application of the skills and strategies we want to teach. We model or teach the strategy with text on chart paper, a picture book, chapter book, newspaper article, or anything that lends itself well to the focus lesson.

For more information and examples of Strategy Groups, our continued learning about grouping and what small group instruction looks like, check out Chapter 7 in The CAFE™ Book.