Shanahan on Literacy Should Reading Be Taught Whole Class or Small Group?
Jun 14, 2025
The podcast dives into the ongoing debate surrounding reading instruction methods. It questions the effectiveness of small group teaching compared to whole-class approaches. Research findings reveal surprising drawbacks of small group strategies, pushing educators to rethink their methods. The discussion highlights the importance of equitable learning opportunities, especially for disadvantaged students. Tune in for insights that challenge conventional wisdom and aim to reshape reading education.
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Long History Of Small-Group Reading
- Timothy Shanahan recounts that small-group reading has been ubiquitous for decades, including his own experience in large
Teacher Memory Of Leveled Groups
- Shanahan shares personal classroom practice: as a primary teacher he grouped kids for reading and remembers three leveled groups.
Leveled Books Practice Is Problematic
- Historically, small groups matched kids to book levels, a practice Shanahan says is refuted in his forthcoming book.
