Tiered instruction
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Flexible groups are implemented in my classroom following an RTI model, which allows students to move between different instructional tiers based on their individual needs. This offers opportunities to provide explicit instruction and to be able to work one-on-one with students, at every level. However, to work with individuals or small groups, I needed a way to keep the rest of the classroom engaged in meaningful activities. To accomplish this, I have incorportated into part of my kindergarten day, multi-leveled work stations which I call MUST DO centers. This is a time when students are able to practice and review previously learned skills. I allow students choices in completing the centers in the order they prefer which helps encourage independence. I also let them work at their own pace. I have created icons for students to help keep track of the MUST DO centers that they need to complete for the day. The icons on the top rows indicate that it is a MUST DO center and the students must do them! After students complete all of the MUST DO's, they may choose to go to a free choice center that is more open-ended- such as Lego table, building blocks or pretend play- until it is time to clean up. After the routine of MUST DO centers has been established, I am much more successful in monitoring students' responses to research-based interventions.
Math work stations
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Math Stations inspired by Debbie Diller are full of engaging, hands-on activities to promote independent exploration and practice. I have always used some type of work stations since I have started teaching and love it. I believe it is a great way for students to reinforce skills that were previously modeled. Students are able to work at their own level and pace, learn to cooperate with their peers, and most importantly they are learning while having fun!