41. Small Groups Aligned with the Science of Reading with Christina Winter, Lead in Literacy

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by my dear friend, Christina Winter from Lead in Literacy. Together, we dive into one of the hottest topics in structured literacy: small group instruction.While some Science of Reading conversations debate whether small groups have a place in the literacy block, Christina reminds us that when done correctly—grounded in assessment, efficiency, and aligned routines—small groups can be one of the most powerful tools to differentiate instruction and target students’ exact needs.Christina walks us through her ABC Framework for small groups:A — AssessB — Be EfficientC — Cut the FluffWe also discuss how to fit small groups into busy schedules, what effective routines look like, how to handle pacing, and why teachers don't need to feel guilty about not seeing every student every day.Key Takeaways:How small group instruction supports differentiated, targeted reading instruction.The importance of assessment-driven groupings based on universal screeners (Acadience, DIBELS, i-Ready, etc.)Why consistent instructional routines reduce teacher overwhelm and student anxiety.High-impact routines for small group instruction: phonemic awareness, word mapping, high-frequency words, blending, decodable text, comprehension, dictation, and word awareness.Teachers should prioritize students below benchmark for daily small groups while others can be seen less frequently.Resources Mentioned:Christina's Free Small Group Toolkit (downloadable resource with lessons & templates)Book: A Fresh Look at Phonics by Wiley BlevinsDr. Julia Lindsey’s Instagram PostStephanie Stollar’s Reading Science AcademyBook: Atomic Habits by James ClearThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Christina Winter:Website: https://leadinliteracy.com/Instagram: @lead.in.literacy Christina’s Membership Site: Leaders of LiteracyConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit:

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Literacy in Color is the go-to podcast for elementary teachers, literacy coaches, and reading interventionists who are passionate about bringing the Science of Reading to life in vibrant, engaging, and effective ways. Hosted by Michelle Sullivan — a seasoned literacy expert & Science of Reading advocate - with over a decade of experience as a reading interventionist & literacy coach — this show is designed to help you captivate your learners, boost reading fluency, and foster a deep understanding of language. Each week, you’ll discover practical tips, proven strategies, and creative ideas to make your literacy instruction colorful and impactful. From phonics and morphology to vocabulary building and comprehension techniques, we’ll explore the full spectrum of evidence-based practices that support all learners on their journey to becoming confident readers. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, “Literacy in Color” will empower you with the tools, inspiration, and know-how to make literacy instruction not just effective, but truly unforgettable. Are you ready to teach colorfully? Hit subscribe and join us each week for a splash of fun, insight, and colorful learning. Connect with me on Instagram @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom for more tips, resources, and community!