Small Group Writing Instruction

Optimizing Small Group Instruction for Writing: A Transformative Approach

Jennifer Serravallo's "Teaching Writing in Small Groups" provides a comprehensive guide to maximizing the impact of small group instruction on students' writing development. The book lays a solid foundation for success, demonstrating how to create groups that are both effective and responsive to students' individual needs.

At the heart of Serravallo's approach is the recognition that each child's language and literacy practices are valuable, and that fostering strong relationships with young writers is essential. By teaching with efficiency, the author shows how to increase student engagement and independence, while also cultivating a supportive social environment where students can give and receive feedback.

Serravallo offers a menu of small-group options to differentiate instruction, including strategy lessons, guided writing, shared writing, interactive writing, inquiry groups, reflection groups, coaching writing partnerships, and writing clubs. These diverse formats cater to the unique needs and strengths of each student, ensuring that they receive the precise support they require to flourish as writers.

The book's practical applications are further enhanced by a wealth of supplementary resources. Twelve informative videos feature writers from kindergarten to seventh grade, both in-person and online, modeling each type of small group. Additionally, the Online Resources provide selected passages and forms in Spanish, while downloadable skill-progression note-taking forms help teachers make informed instructional decisions.

Serravallo's "Take It to Your Classroom" feature is a particularly valuable asset, as it guides both individual teachers and study groups through the process of implementing the strategies outlined in the book. This support ensures that the transformative power of small group instruction can be seamlessly integrated into the classroom, empowering teachers to make the most of this powerful pedagogical approach.

The question is no longer whether small groups work, but how to maximize their effectiveness. Jennifer Serravallo's "Teaching Writing in Small Groups" answers this question with remarkable clarity and insight, equipping educators with the tools and strategies needed to unlock the full potential of small group instruction and foster exceptional growth in their students' writing abilities.

product information: