Instructional Cycle

The Small Group Math System

A clear, repeatable cycle for planning and running small-group math instruction.

A Repeatable Six-Stage Cycle

This six-stage teacher workflow (Assess → Group → Plan → Teach → Check → Regroup) is a more explicit version of the same instructional cycle.

Identify the specific skills students understand and where they need support, using a quick assessment or observation.

Create flexible groups around current instructional needs rather than fixed labels.

Select a precise skill, visual model, and instructional objective for each group.

Use explicit modeling, guided practice, and structured independent application through the I Do → We Do → You Do routine.

Collect a short piece of evidence through observation, student work, or a quick check.

Continue, adjust support, or form new groups based on what students demonstrate.

Predictable procedures can reduce the amount of attention students need to spend figuring out what to do next.

The system works across subtraction, addition, place value, and fractions. Once students learn the routine, they can apply it to any topic.

Designed for the reality of the classroom—low prep and easy implementation, so you can focus on the students, not the materials.

Browse resources built around the Assess → Group → Plan → Teach → Check → Regroup cycle.