Independent Work TimeI.W.T

A time EVERY DAY when. . .•Students learn to work

independently•Teachers meet individual student

needs

Presented by Susana Melgoza

And Martha Aldana

Presentation Goal Understand the purpose and procedures of Independent Work Time and be able to implement them into your daily routine.

IWT Objective The goal of IWT is to be able to do meaningful intervention over time while encouraging students to become responsible for their own learning.

Agenda •Purpose of IWT•Goals of IWT•Phases of IWT -Procedures -Guidelines•Set-Up•IWT Activities

I.W.T.

Purpose of IWT

Students work independentlyStudents work collaborativelyStudents practice/review materials taught in the lessons

Goals of IWTTeacher

a component of every Open Court lessonthe subject of the Program Appendix at every grade levela structure that allows the teacher to conduct extra teaching/extra practicean opportunity for the teacher to observe, assess, and conferenceMeet with EVERY student EVERY week

Goals of IWTStudents

an opportunity to develop the idea of worthwhile use of free timea vehicle for developing responsibility and independencean opportunity for students to develop leadership capabilitiesa time to conduct research and other types of exploration of interest to the studentsa chance to READ, READ, and READ some morean opportunity to write and work on writing

Procedure

Evolves from very structured to student-choice over the course of the yearExplicitly taught proceduresPost rulesOrganize classroom to accommodate different IWT activities

IWT Rules

Speak in a quiet voiceShareBe politeTake turns with materials and put them away when you are doneIf the teacher is working with someone else, please don’t interrupt!

Phases of IWTPhase 1 Teacher observes

students working independently

Phase 2 Teacher observes students with one “must do” and “choices”

Phase 3 Teacher pulls one group while students complete a “must do” and “choices”

Phase 4 Not necessary to reach this phase in KindergartenTeacher pulls multiple groups

Phase 1Procedure

whole class

one “must do”

teacher monitors

debrief

What is debriefing?An opportunity for the students and teacher to reflect on the successes and problems during IWT.Ask students:– What went well today?– What were the problems encountered today?– How might we change things to make it more

successful tomorrow?This is also a perfect opportunity for students to quickly share new learning, projects, and experiences from IWT.Debriefing should happen EVERY day.

Phase 1How long?

1-2 weeks

10-15 minutes per day

Phase 1Characteristics

Teacher introduces the rules and procedures for IWTMaterials at the student’s independent work level are used and explained. . . remember, they can’t ask you for assistance. . .and you want 100% successTeacher sets specific time frame for IWT with studentsTeacher monitors within the room, though does not engage with students. . .at all!Teacher ends IWT at predetermined time and pulls group together for “debriefing”

Phase 1Breakdown of Time

15 minutes

5

5

0 5

introduce activitiesmonitoringwith student groupdebrief

5

5

50

introduce activitiesmust dochoicesdebrief

Teachers

Students

Phase 2Procedure

“menu” introduction

teacher monitors

debrief

Phase 2How long?

1-2 weeks

15-18 minutes per day

Phase 2Characteristics

Rules and procedures are revisitedTeacher introduces the “menu” management formatIt looks like: “Must Do” and “Choices”Let the students know that they will have some fun “choices” if they can be successful at their “must do” activitiesStudents are to experience the “must do” activity during the allotted time (no choices yet)The teacher monitors, taking notes to help guide the debriefing session, especially concerning the students’ ability to transition themselves.

Phase 2 Breakdown of Teacher’s Time

18 minutes

5

8

05

introduce activitiesmonitoringwith student groupdebrief

5

8

50

introduce activitiesmust dochoicesdebrief

Teacher Students

Phase 3Procedure

“menu” in place

multiple tasks

teacher pulls one targeted needs group

debrief

Phase 3How long?

Rest of the year

15-20 minutes per day or longer depending on grade level

Phase 3Characteristics

Students are introduced to the concept of the teacher working with a small group and the “no interruption” concept.The “menu” is fully in place. Students are given a “must do” activity and a few “choices”.Teacher pulls one group for reteaching or preteaching based on need through observation or assessment.Teacher provides intervention, then monitors whole group before ending and debriefing.

Phase 3 Breakdown of Teacher’s Time

20 minutes

56

3

6

introduce activitiesmust dochoicesdebrief

52

103

introduce activitiesmonitoringwith student groupdebrief

Teacher Students

Universal Access Reading Difficulties or Disabilities

PreteachingScaffolded instructionReteachPhonemic awareness activities

Universal Access Advanced Learners

Provide academic challenge activitiesBorrow next grade materials Use next grade decodable booksExtend writing activities

Universal Access English Learners

Provide lessons that will meet the ELD standards (use ELD portfolio)Practice phonemic awarenessPreteach activities including vocabulary for upcoming storiesBe aware of phonological differences between English and the students primary language

GuidelinesEncourage responsibility and independenceEncourage cooperation and collaborationEncourage respect for individual differencesEstablish areas and timesEncourage group projectsLook for special talents and abilitiesEncourage children to try new things

IWT Areas

NO rotational centers– use the word AREA instead of CENTER

there do not need to be tables or formal “areas” set up to have a successful IWT – Materials can be kept in baskets, on

shelves, zip-lock bags, or in any numbers of organizers

Set-Up

Thinking Maps

Reading Area

Writing

Listening

Fluency

Specific Teacher Created Activities

Games

IWT Managementmanagement– clothes pins– photos of area– markers or paint– procedures– materials– reinforce rules– debrief

IWT Examples

Your Turn!

Refer to TE appendixReview IWTPlan for IWT with grade level using SOAR data

Thank you for your attention and participation.