124. What We Hate About Reading Groups

Reading groups… we love the idea of them. But let’s be honest, sometimes they feel overwhelming, noisy, and just plain stressful.

In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about the challenges teachers face during reading groups!

If reading groups feel chaotic instead of calm in your classroom, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and rebuild with systems that actually work.

We’re sharing practical strategies to help you feel organised, confident, and back in control, without adding more to your plate.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The biggest frustrations teachers face during reading groups (and why you’re not alone)
• How clear routines and expectations can completely transform your sessions
• Why a consistent, predictable timetable reduces stress for you and your students
• The power of starting with a “top five” set of independent activities
• How a dress rehearsal can set your groups up for long-term success
• Planning tips like batching, reusing resources, and using simple templates
• Tools like The Hive platform to streamline your reading group organisation
• A practical guide to help you transform your reading groups step by step

Reading groups don’t have to feel chaotic. With the right systems, routines, and ready-to-go resources, they can become one of the most powerful parts of your literacy block.

You don’t need more ideas - you need a foolproof system. Let’s work smarter, not harder, together!

Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Transform your Reading Groups (course for teachers)

The Hive - Use the code ASHLEIGH15 for a 15% discount

Ready to print reading group activities for:

• Kindergarten
• Grade 1-2
• Grade 3-4
• Grade 5-6

*Note: These activities are included in Transform your Reading Groups

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

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