Getting the Format Off the Ground
Kids know how to "do school" in a traditional format. The format is familiar. Workshop may also be familiar to your students. Blended adds another piece that may be unfamiliar to them. There's value in the long run to start slowly to build your students' vocabulary and explicitly teach the structure.
What does the first month of school look like?
- Grouping: Learn about your students, and help them to learn about themselves. What are their learning styles? What are their communication styles? How do they like to learn? How do they like to share their learning?
- Identify Student Experts: Many times there are students who catch on to new ideas quickly, and are ready to run. Engage these kids as experts with extension or enrichment opportunities. Have them create lessons and lead small groups.
- Start Small: A common goal is that our classrooms are fully differentiated and scaffolded at every turn. Don't pressure yourself or your students to start the year there. As students are getting used to you, each other, and the classroom, start small. Don't over scaffold. Take the time for your classroom culture of trust to grow. Think about small groups you've been a part of. The first questions are ice-breakers, low-risk (if you were a food, what would you be and why?). As you build trust, your students will feel comfortable taking greater risks.
- Build Vocabulary: Example, think about shows like Price is Right, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, or Whose Line is it Anyway. When the host announces a familiar game, it can happen with minimal explanation. Front load those with your students so you can lean on these activities throughout the year during the independent work time.