TRT Podcast #158: A case for whole group phonics instruction – with Casey Jergens
Kindergarten teacher Casey Jergens shares how and why he teaches a whole group phonics lesson before offering small group instruction. Lots of food for thought!
Full episode transcript
Connect with Casey
- Casey on Twitter (X): @mrjergenskinder
- Goyen Foundation website
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Suzanne
Casey just hit a home run! With over 30 years of teaching experience, I have to say- he gets it! Yes, fluid groups should be formed to meet needs. Groups should be both heterogeneous and homogeneous, depending on the skill, and if it is done well, whole group instruction should be meeting needs across the board. Challenge upper levels while supporting and modeling for lower levels without making anyone feel left out. Yes, it does take extra time and planning to accomplish this. But it is so worthwhile!!!
Melissa
Agree! Not sure that Anna gets it.
Anna Geiger
It’s not that I don’t “get it.” It’s that I think there are other methods of differentiation which can work as well or better. That said, Casey’s method obviously works for him and can work for others, which is why I interviewed him and shared this episode. I appreciate the comment that this method takes a lot of skill and planning; I’m afraid that the push for whole group instruction will lead to many teachers teaching whole group without differentiation, which I’ve seen far too often. It saddens me when students who are reading well above grade level are not being taught further along in the scope and sequence.
Ed Jones
Anna, which of your podcasts/resources would best show the contrasting approaches?
Anna Geiger
To hear a different perspective, you can listen to these episodes:
https://www.themeasuredmom.com/differentiating-with-small-groups-right-from-the-start/
https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-use-assessment-data-within-mtss/
There is no research comparing the two approaches, so I believe this is a matter of opinion. Data talks – so if an approach is clearly working for someone, they may not need to change it. Many teachers I respect do differentiated whole group phonics instruction. But I am hesitant to recommend it for the reasons I’ve alluded to. I would look into the work of Nancy Farmer; she has special interest in advanced learners.