152. How I Teach Foundational Skills

If you have been wondering what small group instruction actually looks like in a real kindergarten classroom, not the idealized version, but the practical, flexible, works-for-actual-five-year-olds version, this episode is for you. I walk through exactly how I approach literacy and math instruction, including when to pull small groups, what happens in them, and how to work smarter instead of reinventing lessons every single week.

In this episode, I share:

why small groups do not need to look like traditional guided reading, and how staying flexible with the format serves kids betterwhen it makes sense to start pulling small groups, and why waiting until kids are truly independent first is the right callwhat a literacy small group looks like, from warm-up to hands-on letter practice to games that keep kids engagedwhy repeating the same activities over and over is not boring - it is actually one of the most effective things you can do for kids who need extra supporthow to target the exact missing skill in math by meeting kids just above where they currently are, using concrete materials and observation to guide the workwhy flexible grouping matters and how to adjust who is in a group based on progress rather than locking kids in for the whole year

You do not need a new lesson every day or a perfectly structured table group to make small group time count. Meet kids where they are, repeat what works, and trust that consistent targeted practice is what moves the needle.

Work with Zeba 1:1 Coaching

Send Zeba a voice message

Related Episodes:Why Students Fall Behind Early ~ Ep. 150Mistakes in Teaching Letters and Numbers ~ Ep. 151Differentiating Instruction in Kindergarten for Diverse Learners ~ Ep. 75Minimizing Disruptions During Kindergarten Small Groups ~ Ep. 117How I Launch Math and Literacy Centers ~ Ep. 148

Resources:Math BundleLiteracy Bundle Kindergarten Essentials BundleSimple, yet Effective, Small Group Instruction in Kindergarten

Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Alphabet Worksheet Bundle

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Worksheets-Bundle-Alphabet-Literacy-Centers-Letter-writing-sound-sort-11657590