Recipes for Reading: Explicit Instruction

explicit instruction

New LITERACY skills: Any content/Any grade

Brain Development and Explicit InstructionImportance of RoutinesChecklistAnita Archer: Explicit Instruction

Recipes for Reading

Cross Content Examples

CCA Foundational Skills Example

REMEMBER!

WHY?

CCA Kindergarten Example(s): 8:30 Foundational Skills 12:30 Foundational Skills See how the lessons are explicit, direct and predictable/

Remember! 1. Explicit instruction is NOT just for phonology or younger learners. 2. Explicit instruction should be used for any NEW SKILL OR ROUTINE being used within instruction. 3. Repetition strengthens the neurological pathways leading to automaticity and more room in our working memory to take in new information.

+ info

+ info

+ info

+ info

+ info

The Brain's Capacity for Learning

The human brain is highly adaptable and capable of learning at different stages of development. However, the brain undergoes specific stages of maturation and development, which affect how easily it can process and retain new information.

The Role of Neural Pathways and Memory

Learning occurs when neural pathways are strengthened through repeated practice and exposure. The more frequently a connection is used, the stronger and more efficient the pathway becomes.

Cognitive Load and Brain Development

Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required to process new information. The brain has limited capacity for processing information at any given moment, especially during complex learning tasks.

Importance of repetition and reinforcement

Repetition helps strengthen neural connections, ensuring that information is moved from short-term to long-term memory. It also reinforces learning and helps prevent forgetting.

The Role of Attention and Focus in Brain Development

The brain's ability to focus and direct attention is essential for learning. Younger children, in particular, are still developing their ability to regulate attention and focus on tasks.

Chickpea flour

Importance of Routines

Checklist

Why it matters: Certain cognitive functions, such as language processing, memory, and executive functions, develop at specific ages. The brain is more receptive to certain types of learning at different stages, making explicit instruction particularly effective when aligned with developmental stages. How explicit instruction helps: Explicit instruction leverages the brain’s natural developmental progression by breaking down complex information into manageable, bite-sized pieces. It provides clear, repetitive guidance that helps learners consolidate information, especially when brain development is still making connections.

Why it matters: If instruction is too abstract, disorganized, or overwhelming, it can exceed the brain’s capacity to effectively process and store new information. This is particularly true for students with learning differences or those in the early stages of cognitive development. How explicit instruction helps: Explicit instruction helps reduce cognitive load by breaking information into smaller, manageable chunks. It helps learners understand what is expected, how to proceed, and provides ample opportunities for practice. This clarity allows the brain to focus on processing key concepts rather than decoding unclear or confusing instructions.

Why it matters: Brain development involves continuous strengthening of neural pathways through repetition. Without repeated exposure to new concepts, learners may forget or fail to internalize the material. How explicit instruction helps: Explicit instruction often involves frequent repetition and reinforcement of key concepts, which aids in memory retention. Teachers use clear instructions and practice opportunities to ensure that learners receive enough repetition to master the material and strengthen their neural pathways.

Why it matters: Without explicit instruction that is engaging and structured, students may have difficulty staying focused or processing information. Unstructured or overly abstract instruction can lead to distractions or misunderstandings. How explicit instruction helps: Explicit instruction provides a clear structure and predictable routines, which help students focus their attention and engage more effectively with the learning material. By breaking tasks into clear steps and maintaining attention through guided practice, explicit instruction helps keep learners focused on key concepts.

Why it matters: Without explicit instruction, learners may not know how to form the necessary connections in the brain, which can lead to confusion or incomplete learning. Explicit instruction helps to create these pathways efficiently by providing a clear framework for understanding. How explicit instruction helps: By offering step-by-step explanations, models, and guided practice, explicit instruction helps to create strong, well-formed neural connections. This repetition and clarity ensure that new knowledge is anchored in the brain, making it easier to recall and apply.