Academics
The Workshop Model
Mini Lesson
(10-15 minutes)
The teacher provides the whole class direct and explicit instruction and then outlines the work to be done including performance expectations.
Small Group Instruction
Students work independently, in pairs, or small groups. The teacher and teaching assistant circulate to ensure all students are on task, conferring with individuals or small groups or providing additional instruction. During this time the teacher is conducting guided reading groups once culture is established for independent work to commence.
Share Session
The teacher reconvenes the class to: focus on student work exemplifying what was taught in the mini lesson; recap key learning for the day; check for understanding; and give homework assignments if applicable.
Resources
ELA Workshop Model
| Workshop Component | Time | Logisitcs | Teacher | Students | Learning Stations | Red Group | Blue Group | Purple Group | Green Group | Logistics for Guided Reading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Lesson | 15 minutes | The teacher gathers students in the meeting area next to their partners | Compass Learning | |||||||
| Learning Stations Guided Reading | 60 minutes | Scholars independantly work on assigned task | Word Work | |||||||
| Wrap Up | 15 minutes | Teacher implement checks for understanding and closes out the reading block | Independant Reading | |||||||
| Guide Reading |
Resources
Math Framework
Instruction will be delivered utilizing “The Workshop Model” framework, consisting of a ritual of instructional components that are adaptable to all content areas. A math workshop framework can provide the rigor and relevance necessary for skills that students will need in the future. The math workshop framework often starts with a number sense routine, a short, 5- to 10-minute period of time when students talk about numbers. They may look for patterns, talk about attributes of a number, or explore various ways to solve a problem.
That is then followed by a combination of the following based on instructional needs:
Focus Lesson
The teacher provides the whole class direct and explicit instruction to introduce a new concept.
Guided Math Group/Learning Stations
Small group of students working with the teacher to address specific needs. Students work on activities independently or collaboratively to practice new topics or review past topics, often taking place while the teacher is working with a guided math group.
Student Reflection
The teacher reconvenes the class for Students think and share about their learning. This can be done in a variety of ways including math journals, exit tickets, or turn-and-talk.
The nice thing about this framework is that the components can be changed per class based on the needs of instruction for that particular unit of study. For example, when introducing a new topic, the teacher might start with a number sense routine, followed by a focus lesson, then allow students to practice with learning stations and conclude with a reflection. The following day will also start with a number sense routine, but then some students will be in teacher-led guided math groups based on prior assessments while others work in learning stations. Class will end in student reflection.
This framework allows students to really investigate mathematical concepts and develop a deeper conceptual understanding, problem solve, and learn with their peers. It provides choice and allows students to be creative in their thinking as they develop their math knowledge.
Teachers spend more of their time facilitating the learning, asking questions that guide the students’ thinking, and having them working in small groups on specific skills. Several teachers use the math workshop model in our school. According to one fifth-grade teacher, Tia Guidetti, once the model is up and running, the students are able to maneuver independently through the learning stations. Getting there is the hardest part and requires a lot of modeling and teaching of expectations. Her advice: “Don’t overthink; just jump in!”
| Workshop Component | Time | Logisitcs | Teacher | Students | Learning Stations | Red Group | Blue Group | Purple Group | Green Group | Logistics for Guided Reading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Lesson | 15 minutes | The teacher gathers students in the meeting area next to their partners | Compass Learning | |||||||
| Guided Math/Learning Stations | 60 minutes | Scholars independantly work on assigned task | Fact Practice | |||||||
| Student Reflection | 15 minutes | Teacher implement checks for understanding and closes out the math block | Math Games/Independent Math | |||||||
| Guide Math |
Resources
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