{"id":19155,"date":"2025-04-14T12:05:23","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T19:05:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/?p=19155"},"modified":"2025-04-17T08:44:14","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T15:44:14","slug":"must-have-reading-tools-for-small-groups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/must-have-reading-tools-for-small-groups\/","title":{"rendered":"Must Have Reading Tools for Small Groups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Reading groups can be a teacher’s favorite or most challenging part of the day. The key is having clear routines, expectations, AND engaging activities. Here are my favorite reading tools for both teacher-led groups and literacy centers to help you run effective and fun reading groups all year long! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"Helpful<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fun Reading Tools for Your Reading Block <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You could of course<\/em> have a great reading block without all the following reading tools, however, they are guaranteed to make it more fun! Your students will be excited to learn and able to use a hands-on, multi-sensory approach! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

1. Sound Segmenting Trays<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These simple, yet effective trays align directly with the best practices of the Science of Reading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use these trays with your beginner readers to help teach phonemic awareness in a tactile way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are versatile as you can use any type of manipulative to model the sounds and then a dry-erase marker or magnetic letters to spell the word! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personally, I love switching out the sound manipulatives based on the season. Candy corns for October, red and green M&Ms in December…the options are endless! <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"colorful<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

2. Comprehension Cubes<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For your groups that have comprehension goals, these cubes are a fun way to add a game aspect to learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After reading a story, have students take turns rolling the dice and answering the questions. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

3. Finger Focus<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I don’t use this highlighter with all my students, however, it’s extremely helpful for your students who have a hard time tracking or focusing on the text in front of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, I will use it as a “magic decoder” to highlight longer words that we are working together to decode. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

4. Reading Stick Pointer <\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reading pointers are a super simple way to make guided reading more enjoyable! For some reason, kids are more excited to read when a fun pointer is involved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like to switch up which pointers I use throughout the year so these affordable and colorful pointers are great for the collection! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n