Reading strategies and activities for small groups

The first key to implementing small groups that run smoothly is to be organized. I have a cart I keep fully stocked with all of my favorite goodies just for my small reading groups. Having items within an arms reach can help when you are spontaneously needing something to help reteach or introduce a concept. I have found several items that are must haves. they keep my students excited and engaged during our small group time. Each week we have 3 stories that we read during our reading instruction time. Each one introduces and reinforces vocabulary, grammar and phonics skills. I found that having a reading response journal is essential to our daily groups. The reading response journals include a reading log, vocabulary, letters and reference. I love utilizing the vocabulary section to help my students learn and comprehend their weekly stories. They can write the word, the definition and even add a synonym to increase understanding. Another small group favorite is the other ways to say cards these are great for looking up synonyms to enhance vocabulary or for my students to use when writing their readers response letters. The other ways to say cards help students to understand the many words that can be used interchangeably. Opposite of the vocabulary page they have a few call-out clouds perfect for addressing or highlighting any skill you would like. I often use them for illustrating vocabulary words. Connecting words to illustrations is a concrete way to create examples. It is also a great study tool when it's time to review for our weekly assessments. My students can't get enough of the reading tabs they use them as they read their stories. They can point out new words, main idea, problem, solution etc. They use them like a story scavenger hunt, to find all of the literary elements. A great partner activity is to pass out the pocket dice and the question dice. Partners can use these to relate to the stories being read. I have found that when my students are engaging with their stories by interacting with a partner they retain the story much better than simply reading it on their own. Who? What? When? Where? can lead to a variety of great discussions when students team up. I use these as a review, students can increase their comprehension by understanding these story components. They can also better relate to their stories by examining these questions. I keep these on the top of my small group cart and use them for a quick comprehension check when I meet with my small group teams. To enhance those vocabulary skills help students create their own synonym review cards using the paint chip supply strips they can add synonyms to their vocabulary words by writing one on each color. I hope you have found some fun new ideas to keep your reading groups engaging. What is your must have for small group time?