10 Steps to Independence

Word Work
Foundation Lessons Optional Materials
Teach this lesson before launching Word Work: Individual whiteboards
Set Up and Clean Up Materials White board table
Choose Materials and Words to Use Magnet letters
Choose a Successful Spot Beans
Letter stamps
Launch
Colored markers
Use the 10 Steps to Independence to launch Word Work.
Clay
Step 1. Identify what is to be taught: Word Work.
Step 2. Set a purpose and create a sense of urgency for Word Work:
It helps us improve our fluency.
It helps us practice Check for Understanding and Comprehension.
It is fun.
Step 3. Record desirable behaviors of Word Work on an I-chart. (see samples below)
Step 4. Model most-desirable behaviors.
Step 5. Model least-desirable behaviors, then most-desirable behaviors again.
Step 6. Place students around the room.
Step 7. Practice and build stamina.
Step 8. Stay out of the way.
Step 9. Use a quiet signal to bring students back to the gathering place
Step 10. Conduct a group check-in; ask, How did it go?

Sample I-Charts: Set Up Materials

Independent
Students Teacher
Get materials out Works with students
Choose a locations
where you and others
can be successful
Set up quietly
Stay in one spot
Get started quickly

How to Use Materials Clean Up Materials

Independent
Students
Work the whole time Works with students
Stay in one spot except
to get and return materials
May return one set of
materials and get another
set to work with before
round is over
Work quietly
Work on stamina
Try your best
Independent
Teacher Students Teacher
Everyone using materials Works with students
helps put them away
Materials go back in
their original container
Return materials to
the same spot
Leave materials neat
Clean quietly
Get started cleaning right away
Clean quickly