Discover an innovative teaching model that brings children of similar abilities together in small groups for paced instruction that maximizes learning. Based on best practices, the model's step-by-step lesson plans reflect the developmental stages of the reading process and provide students with opportunities to engage in guided reading, word study, and writing. Intended for primary-grade teachers and reading specialists, this book also offers a solid basis for teacher training and reading intervention programs. A companion video series is available for professional development contexts. After a foreword and a preface, this book is divided into the following chapters: (1) Beginning Reading Instruction and the Small-Group Differentiated Reading Model; (2) Planning for Instruction and Assessing Student Progress in the Small-Group Differentiated Reading Model; (3) Instructional Strategies in the Small-Group Differentiated Model; (4) Stage 1: Emergent Reader; (5) Stage 2: Beginning Reader; (6) Stage 3: Fledgling Reader; (7) Stage 4: Transitional Reader; (8) Stage 5: Independent Reader; and (9) Conclusion. Appended are: (1) Early Reading Screening Instrument Materials; (2) Word Study Materials; (3) Word Scramble Activities, Cut-Up Sentences, and Dictation Sentences; and (4) Auxiliary Instructional Materials. Also included are a list of references and an index.