Small groups don’t have to look like “reading groups.” Especially when your students aren’t ready for reading yet. You’re still building those foundational skills, and that absolutely counts as important, impactful small group work. Building off last week’s episode on supporting students who come into kindergarten without any letter or sound knowledge, today I’m sharing exactly how I structure small groups focused on teaching letter sounds before kids are actually reading.

If you’ve ever wondered what small group literacy should look like when your students are still learning the alphabet, this episode will give you tons of practical ideas and the confidence to do what works best for your kids.

In this episode I share:

• When I actually start small groups and why it's okay to wait
• How to structure small group time for letter and sound practice
• Fun, hands-on activities and games that help learning stick
• How to use tools like alphabet charts, flashcards, and wordless books

Related Episodes:

• How I Teach my Students Letter Names and Their Sounds ~ Ep. 54
• Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Kindergarteners With No Letter Knowledge ~ Ep. 105
• Teaching the Alphabet - 6 Things To Do with Each Letter w/ Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi ~ Ep. 104
• Simple, yet Effective, Small Group Instruction in Kindergarten

Free Workshop:

• Closing the Gap: Supporting Students Who Need Extra Help In Literacy

Resources:

• Letter Identification Activities & Games | Small Groups, Intervention, Centers
• Kindergarten Phonics Activities Bundle | Centers, Small Groups, Interventions
• Year-Long Literacy Support for Small Group Instruction BUNDLE -Reading & Writing
• Alphabet Worksheets Bundle: Alphabet Literacy Centers, Letter writing sound sort

Connect with Zeba:

• Instagram - @kindergartencafe
• Facebook - @kindergartencafe
• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
• Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Kindergarten Essentials

Grab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Teacher-Essentials-Year-Long-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Activities-8356704