Explicit Instruction

Explicit instruction is teacher-led, interactive instruction where the words and actions of the teacher are unambiguous and direct. The teacher begins with a clear explanation of the targeted skill, followed by modeling of the skill. Ample practice opportunities, including guided practice with corrective feedback, supported application and student independent practice using aligned student materials help the student to apply what they have been taught. The purpose of explicit instruction is to convey the content and skills clearly so that students can be led to mastery of the information.

Steps	Teacher / Student Action	Examples
Teacher explains	The teacher explains the new skill in concise and specific language that does not rely on the student's ability to establish concepts independently.	The teacher explains, "A compound word is two words that are put together to make one word."
Teacher models	The teacher models the task exactly as the student is expected to perform it. This modeling may include the use of think-alouds when working through problems and demonstrating processes.	The teacher models, "The word sail and the word boat make the compound word, sailboat."
Teacher provides guided practice	The student practices what the teacher modeled. This structured practice time is when the teacher provides immediate feedback to the student.	Teacher: "What word do you have when you put cup and cake together"? Student: "cake" Teacher: "When you put cup and cake together it makes the word cupcake. Say it with me cupcake. What word do you get when you put cup and cake together"? Student: "cupcake" Teacher: "Very good, when you put cup and cake together, you have the compound word cupcake."
Teacher provides supported application	The student applies the skill with the most appropriate responsive scaffolding at any point during the supported application process.	Teacher: "What word do you have when you put sail and boat together"? Student: "sailboat" Teacher: "Very good, when you put sail and boat together, you have the compound word sailboat."
Student independent practice	The student applies the skill independently to reinforce their language.	Students work in an independent group with picture cards of words that can be combined to form compound words.