Comments on: Questions About Independent Work Time/Workshop

By: Creating Lifelong Learners » Blog Archive » Questions About Independent Work Time

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:39:35 +0000

[...] I’ve answered some questions about Independent Work Time before: IWT FAQ [...]

By: Mathew

Mathew — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:33:56 +0000

@Brenda,

You don’t need to come with a whole new set of activities for IWT/Workshop. The trick is to take the things you’re already teaching (blending, decodables, research and inquiry, writer’s workshop) and turn those into activities for IWT.

I’d also suggest following up with your coach.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to post them.

By: Brenda

Brenda — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:57:32 +0000

I am in the same boat as some of you. IWT in my district is mandatory, yet I’ve asked my coach to assist me in finding the right activities to implement during this time. For some reason he is always busy or going in circles. Do any of you have suggestions?

By: Mathew

Mathew — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:09:09 +0000

Hi Janice,

I wouldn’t skip components but I would make sure you’re moving quickly through them. You’re not reteaching to the whole group, that’s what IWT is for. If you’re going to skip something, however, don’t skip IWT. Move the workbook to another day and keep your 20-40 minute block for IWT consistently every day. Also see: It’s Not Easy Timing Green Article

By: Janice Kunihiro

Janice Kunihiro — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:01:04 +0000

I am challenged to fit time into the day for IWT. I have the 2000 edition. It is a challenge to get through the green, red, and blue sections before lunch time; without carrying over into other time slots for other subjects.
Someone said you have to pick and choose what you teach to condcense the time element. I feel strongly about keep the green in tact, and reduce the time in the red, are only do small parts of the blue. What do you suggest to make time for IWT?

By: Mathew

Mathew — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:56:48 +0000

Libbie,

Please contact McGraw-Hill for an official answer on who the program was designed for.

By: Libbie Cole

Libbie Cole — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:45:18 +0000

I am asking a question. Is it true that OPEN COURT is not designed to be used for teaching reading to students 4th grade and above that are more than two grade levels behind in reading? I have been told by many OPEN COURT reps that this is the case, but our district people tell me I heard it wrong, or I misunderstood what the rep said. I went back and checked with my building rep and she said that is correct. I just want an official answer to this question that I can’t seem to get.

By: Mathew

Mathew — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:56:59 +0000

In my experience, all students do care about praise but many of them have a hardened exterior that takes time to penetrate with that praise.

Much research has been done to show that false praise does harm. So you do need to make sure that positive feedback is based on real achievement and sincere.

With IWT/Workshop, the best reward should be the may do activities which are designed to be academic but engaging. If the may do’s are not a motivator then you may need new may do’s.

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:56:04 +0000

Thanks again for the advice on IWT. I’m taking it very slow with my kids.
So far it’s going pretty well. What do you do when there are kids who don’t
care about being praised?