Explicit Instruction & Gradual Release

Explicit Instruction (Archer & Hughes)  is a very practical yet effective model of instruction. Explicit Instruction may often resemble the Cycle of Effective Instruction (Slavin & Madden), the Gradual Release Model (Fisher & Frey) or the I Do, We Do, You Do model of teaching. All models require active participation, student engagement and collaboration and result in high levels of student achievement. Explicit instruction is based on research proven best practice and is appropriate to be used at all grade levels and across content areas.

Elementary

Secondary

Objective: By the end of this video, viewers will have an understanding of how to use the explicit instruction / gradual release model technique at the primary level.

Essential Question: How can the explicit instruction model help students to understand and retain content?

Questions to consider as you watch the video:

1. How does Mr. Kilmer & Ms. Gordon model the lesson content and objective (I Do)?
2. How does Mr. Kilmer & Ms. Gordon begin to release the responsibility of learning to his students (We Do)?
3. How does Mr. Kilmer  & Ms. Gordon incorporate cooperative learning practices (You Do Together)?
4. How can I bring explicit instruction / gradual release model into my practice?

Tools & Templates for Explicit Instruction:

• Professional Learning Implementation Tool- Explicit Instruction
• Professional Learning Implementation Tool- Gradual Release
• Gradual Release Model Handout
• ACPS Revised Lesson Plan Template
• Cycle of Effective Instruction Graphic

Texts on Explicit Instruction : 

• Explicit Instruction Website
• Effective Use of the Gradual Release (Fisher)
• Show Me, Help Me, Let Me– Webpost on the Gradual Release Model
• Sample Chapter from Explicit Instruction (Archer & Hughes)

Related Videos:

• Coach’s Cut- Gradual Release Model
• Coach’s Cut-Framing the Learning
• Gradual Release Model Videos from the Teaching Channel
• Explicit Instruction Videos Elementary; Explicit Instruction Videos Secondary

Have an idea or routine in your classroom for using the Explicit Instruction you believe other teachers would benefit from learning about or seeing? Email PL, write “Explicit Instruction” in the subject line.

Tools & Templates used in the Lesson:

Mr. Kilmer’s Lesson Plan: Lesson Plan Kilmer

Tools: 

• Mr. Kilmer’s SmartSlides on SmartExchange
• Virtual Math Manipulatives

Ms. Gordon’s Lesson Plan: Biology Lesson Plan

Templates:

• Classification Taxonomy Powerpoint
• Station Act Dichotomous Key
• Warm-up
• A Dichotomous Key to Planet Gordonia Creatures
• Classification PowerPoint Notes