Strategic Reading Groups: Guiding Readers in the Middle Grades

Differentiated reading instruction: An effective model for the middle grades

Strategic grouping can transform reading instruction in the middle grades from a hit-or-miss learning experience to a targeted, responsive one. This book features a practical and field-tested model for small-group differentiated reading instruction in Grades 4–8. The authors offer a clear, detailed discussion of how to position this instruction inside middle school language arts or reading classrooms and simple, effective strategies for classroom management, groupings, and assessment. This text explains how to:

• Balance brief strategic reading lessons with whole-class work
• Structure and guide reading groups consistently
• Assess students before and during reading groups
• Cue students and gauge understanding as they read