Guided Practice is interactive instruction between the teacher and students. After the teacher introduces new learning, he/she begins the student practice process by engaging students in a similar task to what they will complete later in the lesson independently. Students and the teacher collaboratively complete the task as a model. The teacher leads the activity but solicits help from students at predetermined points along the way. Through the completion of the guided practice task, the teacher gradually releases more and more responsibility of the thinking to students and offers less assistance from the teacher. Teachers should be using this time to recognize any need to re-teach portions from the introduction to new learning and to determine when/if students are ready to work independently.

• Prep work
  • Plan and prepare guided practice activities that require interaction between the teacher and students and will continue to build students’ understanding of the content.
• Give clear directions for how students should engage with the teacher to complete the guided practice task.
• Circulate around the classroom and monitor student progress. This is a time for the teacher to assist students who may need more guidance and support.
• Address misconceptions and praise success by giving direct and specific feedback to students.