Training independence

During my workshop about the training of independence I always use this structure. Teachers can use it as a checklist and thick which of the 20 agreements are completely functioning in their class.

GENERAL RULES

1. Agreements about things the children can do themselves: toilet – drinking water – washing hands – how to use the classroom.
2. Introduction and working with a ‘household assignment’.
3. Agreements about the materials the children can take themselves.

POSTPONED ATTENTION (BLOCK PERIOD)

4. Making the choice for a sign for the block period, introducing of the rules.
5. What can you do yourself without help: thinking yourself – try again – ask your mate. (making of action guides)
6. Explain that the block period is only temporary and help is possible on a later moment

MATERIAL PROBLEMS

7. The whole school makes agreements about which materials can be taken by the children themselves, how to handle if they make a mistake etc.

PROBLEM SOLVING

8. Let them invent the rules : think again – read again – ask someone else – start with another part of the assignment (action guides)
9. Learn them to analyse the problem : what kind of problem – did  I had a similar problem before – ask a real question – try to help step by step (action guide)
10. Learn planning, try to anticipate and make a work planning
11. Give attention to social problems: how to solve them – how to work together
12. Agreements about the noise during the work (making of “noise cards”)

ASKING / GIVING HELP

13. First try yourself
14. Start asking your workmate instead of walking around in the classroom
15. Use your help signal if you couldn’t find the right help.
16. Ask clear questions – don’t be impatient in trying to help
17. Explaining is not the same as giving the answer
18. Learn to explain step by step
19. Investigate first what is known already
20. Use a ‘help booklet’.