Let’s chat about independent practice. I believe every teacher needs a big ole supply of practice activities students can complete independently. Now I’m not suggesting that a teacher sit at his or her desk and doodle while students independently explore centers or crank out page after page of skill sheets. But I do believe that including 30 or so minutes of daily independent practice is a win-win for both students and teachers. Students develop into independent thinkers and learners. And teachers are freed up to address the learning needs of individuals and small groups of students.
So whatcha think? Do you agree that independent practice is a win-win for students and teachers? Or do you think the heat wave we’re experiencing in North Carolina has sizzled my brain?
Stay cool!
Diane
Yes I agree with you 100%. This is when I find who understands the lesson and who doesn’t.
I have a 30 minute time built into my schedule daily for independent learning center time. My 3rd graders always look forward to it as they know it’s a time when they are responsible for themselves. We role play the first few weeks of school to practice using a lot of the classroom materials in small groups and each student completes a daily log explaining what they did and rates their own behavior using a rubric, which we discuss when we have periodic student/teacher conferences. It gives me “breathing room” to catch those quiet students who would often “fall between the cracks”.
My district is manic about meeting the needs of individual students and presenting on grade level materials to kids that may or may not be ready or that are ready for more challenging materials. I don’t know how teachers with 20+ kids do it, but even with my small class size I have to have plenty of independent practice built into my day. If I meet with each child for one minute then that is 14 minutes that I’m not with the other kids and we all know that a child needs more than a minute! Teachers at my site have found that the Daily 5 works tremendously well. I would suggest getting the book as it is an excellent resource and a quick read. The key is what Diane P said…there has to be role playing and modeling of what is expected. You have to set the stage for success.
I introduce independent practice to my kindergartners in December, then in January they have it 3-4 days a week. My Mailbox magazine gives extra work for my fast workers and other ways of teaching a topic for those that don’t get it the first time.
Independent learning early on puts the power of learning into children’s hands. This gives them the opportunity to learn fundementally important skills in learning. Most definitely a win-win.
@ Jill: I agree with you regarding the Daily 5. Last year the kids and I thought up more and by the end of the year it was the Daily 8. It is very adaptable to any classroom. Excellent book to read!
If students don’t practice, they won’t retain the information that has been introduced. The more practice, the better retention. So, yes, students need time for independant practice and I agree this is the best time to work with other students one on one or in small group settings.
I completely agree! My curriculum includes a lot of indpendent practice, but I add in a good amount of my own as well. We start reading groups in January in kindergarten, and this is the main independent practice time. They thrive on it!
Yes I agree also, If I didn’t have independent learning time built into my day, those children who require extra help would fall behind. Some children get the material right away, others need help finding their way.