I have the same small group designated time of 30 minutes per day that I have to incorporate in my lessons. However, we can split the time up into 15 mini lessons if we so wish. You may want to try it. I choose to split my groups into 4 or 5 depending on what indicators I need to hit. My two teacher directed groups consist of specific indicators that I will be assessing. My independent groups are created to keep the kids interested and on track so that I and my assistant can target individual instruction with our groups, while keeping an eye on the independent groups as well. I normally place 2-4 kids in an independent group and this helps to keep the noise to a minimum. Once students have learned the ropes of using scissors, glue, water colors, and craft materials, I like to incorporate these items into my independent groups because the students enjoy it and it keeps their attention. Hope this helps!

Could you start with a shorter small group time and lead into the longer one? Find a carpet activity or something with playdough for the independent groups. Something they know how to do independently and will do for an extended period of time. Also, try to keep your independent groups smaller than the teacher-led groups.

Due to the fact that they are young children they are adjusting to routine things. First they will start with difficulty but consistency is they key. The students will get use to it after doing small-groups often.

I find that when working with small groups you need to grab their attention first. Use a fun activity, or something where they need to move around and then slowing bring them back to a smaller activity. This is a way of exerting some energy and also getting students to focus on the information you are providing.

Don't give up on small group time, I really think that once you figure out how to make this time run smoothly, the students will respond positively. Try incorporating more physically active, interactive, and engaging activities into group time, that way students are staying interested in instruction and are not just sitting around.

Maybe use incentives for behaving well. Or praising good behavior.