Student Grouping Dilemma

I have spent the day working on my student groups for reading.  The only data I have is last year's FCAT scores, so that is what I used for now.  My first class is filled with students who need so much intervention so it was hard for me to group them.  There isn't a low or a high in this group, but I love them to pieces and I hope that I can bring them to become great readers by the time we leave each other at the end of the year.  I am not used to having students at this level (I have always taught students who are gifted) and the challenge has brought me to tears this year.  I hate to say it, but at first I thought I did something wrong and that is why I was given a group who needed so much help.  Then my wise husband and a few of my teacher pals smacked me upside the head and told me that it is because I am the one who can help these kids succeed.  So now I have taken on this challenge and I am finding ways to help these kiddoes become the best they can.  Fourth grade has overwhelmed me beyond anything I ever experienced in first grade, but I LOVE it.

My second group is filled with students who are at higher FCAT levels and even though they are still in need of my help, they are a little more independent.  I do find that they finish the lessons faster than my morning group, so I need to have a few things up my sleeve for them.  In this group I have my first ESOL Level 1 student (also a first for me).  This student doesn't speak English and I don't speak Spanish, so we are just trying to get through this.  I think this has been the biggest frustration for me because I am at a loss as to how I can help this student learn.  Any ideas?  I paired her up with a Spanish speaker and I have labels around the room to help with visualization.  I just don't think it is helping.  I would love some ideas!

I came up with this color coded group chart for my groups and I wanted to share it with you.  I hope it is something you can use even if it is super simple in style.  Sometimes less is more and that is why I am using this. 

Have a great Sunday and a blessed week!