Small Groups, Big Results with Julia Lindsay
In this episode, I’m joined by literacy researcher, former classroom teacher, and author Julia Lindsay for a powerful conversation about small group reading instruction—what works, what doesn’t, and how we can rethink small groups in a way that actually supports students and teachers.
Julia shares insights from her brand-new book, Small Groups, Big Results, and brings clarity to one of the most debated topics in literacy right now.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Why small group instruction has become such a hot debate—and why the answer isn’t “all or nothing”
Common misconceptions about small groups (and why they don’t have to look the way they always have)
What the research actually says about when small group instruction works
Why guided reading with leveled texts isn’t supported by evidence—and what to do instead
The three core principles of effective small group instruction:
Clear purpose and targeted goals
High-density practice and application
Strong alignment with whole-class instruction
Why students with the greatest needs often experience the most chaos—and how alignment reduces it
How to think about dosage (not just time) in Tier 1, Tier 2, and intervention settings
Rethinking rotations, stations, and transitions so they’re purposeful—not busywork
How flexible grouping, short check-ins, and routines can reduce overwhelm
What to do when teachers feel pressure to make small groups “perfect”
Why small groups should be viewed as a tool for practice and feedback, not a polished lesson
How to use assessment data to form groups—and when to move students
Why whole-class instruction must be solid before small groups can truly make an impact
What gives Julia the most hope about the future of small group reading instruction
Why This Conversation Matters
Small group instruction doesn’t have to feel chaotic, overwhelming, or rigid. When grounded in research and aligned with whole-class instruction, it becomes a powerful space for precision, practice, and feedback—especially for students who need it most.
This episode will help you rethink what’s possible with small groups and give you permission to do them differently.
📘 Resources Mentioned:
Small Groups, Big Results by Julia Lindsay
Julia’s websites:
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliablindsay
Want More?
Explore more Science of Reading PD, decodables, small-group planning tools, coaching sessions, and literacy resources at Route2Reading inside the Literacy Edventures Membership.
