Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading

With clear, classroom-tested instructional routines backed by science, teachers can confidently help their students build skills for reading success! Julia Lindsey’s new book answers teachers’ persistent questions about how to teach effectively in small groups, showing teachers how to identify specific “sticking points,” or needs, that students typically have—and then respond with routines and methods based on empirical research. This targeted, purpose-driven approach—sometimes requiring as little as five minutes of daily instructional time—moves the needle for readers at every point on the developmental spectrum. Small Groups, Big Results offers a practical framework for planning small group instruction, plus specific, actionable assessments and teaching moves to build better readers. | Dr. Julia B. Lindsey, Ph.D., is a literacy expert, author of Reading Above the Fray: Research-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills, and sought-after speaker and consultant. She partners with districts and educators to translate research into classroom practice by building teacher knowledge, supporting implementation of high-impact practices, and encouraging use of evidence-based materials, ensuring all students become successful, empowered readers. Dr. Lindsey is also the author of knowledge-building decodable texts used by hundreds of thousands of educators around the globe. Dr. Lindsey holds a BS in Psychology from Davidson College, a MAT from Relay Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan. She is a proud former elementary school teacher. |

Praise for Small Groups, Big Results by Julia B. Lindsey

“Once again, Julia seamlessly integrates research and practice. In Small Groups, Big Results, she begins with scientific evidence and then describes every detail of effective small-group instruction. As a researcher, I appreciate the scientific foundation. As a teacher, I love the practical tools that you can start using tomorrow.” 

— DEVIN KEARNS, Ph.D., Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Early Literacy, North Carolina State University at Raleigh 

“This book solves the small-groups puzzle: how to differentiate instruction, address the literacy needs of all students, and accelerate learning, while considering what research says about how it all fits together. With Dr. Lindsey’s guidance, teachers will look forward to this precious time with their students every day.” 

— LAURA S. TORTORELLI, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Elementary Literacy, Michigan State University 

“Small-group instruction can feel overwhelming, but Julia Lindsey brings clarity and direction to this essential practice. She explains why small groups matter, shares routines grounded in research, and models how to organize instruction by student need. A practical, engaging resource every teacher should have.” 

— SARAH PAUL, Reading Interventionist; founder of Sarah’s Teaching Snippets and Logos Literacy Academy

“This book contains the hand squeezes and shoulder taps teachers need to feel supported and more confident in providing evidence-based differentiated literacy instruction, whether they’re studying on their own or in a professional learning community. Dr. Lindsey shows how to deliver purposeful small-group instruction based on students’ strengths and needs.” 

— CRYSTAL WISE, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Literacy Education, University of Minnesota

“You might think that implementing small groups requires a tremendous amount of work. Not with the support of this book. Dr. Lindsey outlines research and offers practical recommendations that will lead to positive changes for the students you serve.” 

— MARK RAFFLER, Educational Consultant, Kent Intermediate School District, Michigan 

“Dr. Lindsey masterfully transforms complex reading research into crystal-clear, actionable routines. Her systematic approach to small-group instruction—targeting specific skills with precise feedback—empowers teachers to meet every reader’s needs efficiently and effectively. An invaluable resource for research-driven literacy instruction.” 

— NEENA SAHA, Ph.D., Literacy Consultant; author of the Reading Research Recap blog 

“Small Groups, Big Results goes beyond theory to empower educators with practical routines grounded in evidence. Dr. Lindsey emphasizes knowing each child’s literacy profile and using that knowledge to guide instruction. Her book offers clarity, builds confidence, and provides a path to meaningful progress for every student.” 

— LINSEY JONES, Speech Language Pathologist/Kindergarten Interventionist

“In a time fraught with debate about the best way to teach reading, Small Groups, Big Results stands out for its remarkable clarity and depth. Dr. Lindsey expertly unpacks the evidence for small-group instruction, providing the essential guide that is both insightful and rich with practical recommendations.” 

— JAKE DOWNS, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Utah State University; host of the Teaching Literacy Podcast 

“Dr. Lindsey has a gift for making reading science digestible and practical. By removing the guesswork from small-group planning, she empowers teachers to deliver targeted practice and feedback. Whether your students are segmenting CVC words or tackling complex syntax, this book has a research-backed routine you can implement tomorrow!” 

— CELESTINA LEE, First-Grade Teacher and Reading Specialist, District of Columbia Public Schools 

“Small Groups, Big Results is a must-have for educators ready to elevate their reading instruction. Dr. Lindsey translates cutting-edge reading research into practical small-group strategies and answers real classroom questions along the way. This book guides teachers to use data to drive small-group instruction and create confident, proficient readers.” 

— MARIANNE RICE, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Literacy Education, University of Tennessee at Knoxville 

“Dr. Lindsey has perfectly captured practical, research-based routines that build on her simple swaps, boosting efficiency for teachers and students alike! Small Groups, Big Results is a must-read for supporting small group instruction.” 

— SARAH SHOEMAKER, Early Literacy Coach Coordinator; co-host of the Literacy Leaders and Coaches Network podcast 

“The academic imperative is too high for pedagogical experimentation; we now know the precise levers to press for accelerated learning. This clear, curriculum-agnostic guide provides turn-key, evidence-based routines. Our district has seen unprecedented literacy gains thanks to Dr. Lindsey’s work, validating this book as a pragmatic and potent resource.” 

— JENNIFER KEMPF-BURKART, Literacy Director, North Clackamas School District, Oregon