Yes, small-group reading instruction works. But use it wisely.

The article examines the roles of small-group and whole-class instruction in K-3 literacy education, emphasizing that both have distinct benefits and should be used complementarily. Small-group instruction, including ability-based, interest-based, and cross-grade groupings, is effective for addressing specific student needs, increasing student talk time, and providing targeted Tier II and III interventions, especially for multilingual learners. Whole-class instruction is advocated for foundational practices like read-alouds and systematic phonics, while small groups allow for tailored support and deeper engagement. The article highlights that exemplary literacy teachers strategically combine whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction to optimize learning outcomes. [Extracted from the article]