10 Steps to Launch Word Work

Launch Word Work and Listen to Reading last because there are not have enough materials for the whole class to practice and build stamina. Once foundation lessons have been taught, launch using the 10 Steps to Teaching and Learning Independence.

1. Identify what is to be taught: Word Work
2. Set a purpose: Create a sense of urgency
   • Best way to become better readers and writers
   • It is fun
3. Identify the behaviors of Word Work on I-chart
4. Model most-desirable behaviors
5. Model least-desirable, then most-desirable behaviors (same student)
6. Students check in; teacher places students around the room
7. Practice and build stamina
8. Stay out of the way; when necessary, confer and set behavior goals
9. Use a quiet signal—come back to group
10. Group check-in: “How did it go?” Graph stamina

Notice: Omit steps 6 and 7. Continue with students choosing and checking in for Read to Self, Work on Writing, and Read to Someone. Add a limited number of students choosing and checking in with Word Work to each Daily 5 round.