# 119. Easy Small Group Ideas for Blending and Decoding Success

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kindergarten-cafe-podcast-simple-tips-for-teaching-kindergarten-6572540/119-easy-small-group-ideas-for-blending-and-decoding-success
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kindergarten-cafe-podcast-simple-tips-for-teaching-kindergarten-6572540/119-easy-small-group-ideas-for-blending-and-decoding-success.md
Podcast: [Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kindergarten-cafe-podcast-simple-tips-for-teaching-kindergarten-6572540)
Published: 2026-01-29T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://kindergarten-cafe.captivate.fm
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/d2d59170-500c-47c9-94ac-e8da06ba23d2.mp3
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Duration seconds: 717

## Resource

Have students who know their letters and sounds… but freeze when it’s time to blend them into a word? This episode is for you. I’m walking you through exactly how I support early readers in small groups who need extra help with blending and decoding and it’s simpler than you think. In this episode I share: My go-to small group structure for decoding support Why a quick sound review still matters How nonsense words help build real skills A simple trick using decodable books for more independence Why Elkonin boxes are game changers Easy, hands-on activities to make blending stick Send Zeba a voice message Related Episodes: Kindergarten Small Groups for Teaching Letter Sounds ~ Ep. 106 Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Kindergarteners With No Letter Knowledge ~ Ep. 105 Resources: Decodable Readers - and general recommendations CVC Words: Beginning, Middle, End Sounds Phonemic Awareness Games and Centers Connect with Zeba: Instagram - @kindergartencafe Facebook - @kindergartencafe Website - www.kindergartencafe.org Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Kindergarten Essentials Grab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Teacher-Essentials-Year-Long-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Activities-8356704

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