Where Have All the Bluebirds Gone?: How to Soar with Flexible Grouping

There is more to grouping readers than the traditional grouping by ability with each level not so cleverly disguised by names like bluebirds, redbirds, and crows. Flexible grouping allows teachers to address today’s diverse classrooms. In this practical guidebook, JoAnne Caldwell and Michael Ford describe a variety of grouping patterns and ways to implement them throughout the elementary grades. First they examine the most recent research on grouping practices in reading programs to present a rationale for moving these practices in new directions. Then they explore the how to’s of alternative grouping, including whole-room instruction, small-group formats, cooperative grouping, working in pairs, and individualized reading programs. They also visit classrooms at different grade levels to capture the stories of teachers who have implemented flexible patterns.