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  • 'The Gradual Release Model of Instruction: The Research-Backed Framework That Helps Every Kid Learn.' A four-quadrant puzzle diagram on a purple background illustrates the model's phases: 'I Do' (gray), 'We Do' (blue), 'You Do Together' (pink), and 'You Do Alone' (green). A blue heart with an italicized 'I' is pinned at the center.
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10% of all Inclusiveology proceeds are donated directly to The Home for Little Wanderers.
Learn More about Inclusiveology's Impact.

That one planning period a week is sacred, and wat That one planning period a week is sacred, and watching it get swallowed by yet another IEP meeting stings every time.

You are not imagining the toll that takes on your week.

Inclusiveology helps you build systems where meetings and planning stop competing for the same fifty minutes.

Learn more: Inclusiveology.com/join and protect your time this year. 💙

ID: Arthur's Fist meme. A close-up of a clenched cartoon fist represents frustration. Text above reads, 'When your only planning period of the week becomes an IEP meeting, again.' Text below reads, 'Your time matters as much as the paperwork. Get snuggled in for systems that protect both,' with a link to Inclusiveology.com/join.

 #Inclusiveology #GradualReleaseModel #UniversalDesignForLearning #TeacherStuff #TeacherWellbeing #TeacherWellness #TeacherBalance #MindfulTeaching #TeacherSupport #EducationRealTalk #TeacherVibes #TeacherGoals #SpEdTeacher #HomeschoolingLife #EducatorSupport #EducatorLife #InclusiveEducation #LearningForAll #EmpowerEveryLearner #AccessibleLearning #Neurodiversity #EveryStudentCounts #LessonPlanning #EdTech #EducationTechnology #TeachingIdeas #InTheClassroom #SustainableTeaching #TeacherCommunity
These three things make independent practice more These three things make independent practice more inclusive, and more effective, for every learner in your room… 

1. Offer choice in how students show what they know.

This is one of the most direct connections to Universal Design for Learning, and one of the most impactful shifts you can make in how you think about assessment.

Some students demonstrate mastery beautifully in writing. Others do it better through speech, drawing, building, or showing their work in an alternative format.

Holding every student to the same output method isn't rigor. It's a barrier.

And barriers don't tell you what kids know. 
They tell you what kids can't access.

2. Keep scaffolds available.

Notes, graphic organizers, and assistive technology supports are tools… And they belong in the toolbox.

A student who uses text-to-speech to complete an independent task has demonstrated the skill. 
A student who references an anchor chart while writing their response has demonstrated the skill.

3. Use this phase for informal assessment.

What you observe during independent practice should directly inform your next instructional move.

Who is ready to go deeper? 
Who needs a small group reteach? 
Who might benefit from one more round in the "You Do Together" phase before moving on?

Independent practice isn't the end of the learning cycle. It's information.

These three shifts don't require new materials or extra planning time.
They just require a different lens. An inclusive one.

Read more: Inclusiveology.com/gradual-release-model 💙

Which of these three feels like the easiest win in your classroom right now?

ID: 'The Gradual Release Model of Instruction 'You Do Independently.'' Three tips are listed: 1 - 'Offer choice in how students show what they know,' 2 - 'Keep scaffolds available,' and 3 - 'Use this phase for informal assessment.'

#Inclusiveology #GradualReleaseModel #UniversalDesignForLearning #TeacherSupport #TeacherVibes #TeacherGoals #SpEdTeacher #EducatorSupport #InclusiveEducation #AccessibleLearning #LessonPlanning #TeachingIdeas #SustainableTeaching #TeacherCommunity
Ready for a summit with a "podcast feel"? I'm exci Ready for a summit with a "podcast feel"? I'm excited to announce that I’m a speaker at Get the Brain on Board, a FREE audio summit for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of school-age children.

Hosted by Executive Function coach @coachcarriebonnett, the summit brings together experts to talk about the skills, behaviors, and everyday challenges that can leave both kids and parents feeling frustrated.

My conversation will focus on removing barriers to learning so kids can be their most independent, and I’ll be sharing practical ideas you can use to support the children in your life.

The summit takes place September 14–18 and is completely FREE to attend.
https://djnicholson--carriebonnett.thrivecart.com/aap-full-price/

There’s also an optional All-Access Pass for those who want ongoing access to the conversations, transcripts, notes, and additional resources.

I hope you’ll join me!
Ever have a student who lights up during class dis Ever have a student who lights up during class discussion, then shuts down on the test?

That was Leo. He predicted exactly how a new predator would change a food web out loud, then failed the written version of the same question.

So we kept the standard the same and changed how Leo could show it. Swipe through to see how he used Padlet to build and narrate his own food web, and finally got to show what he actually knew.

So many other kids in your classroom would benefit from this same shift.

Want more real strategies like this one? Join us inside the Inclusiveology Community for the instructional model, assistive tech tips, and coaching support to help every kid in your room show what they know.

Inclusiveology.com/join 💙

Carousel summary:
A five-slide carousel follows a student named Leo, who understood ecosystems well in class discussion but failed a written science test, then shows his teacher letting him build and narrate a digital food web in Padlet to reveal that same knowledge, closing with an invitation to join the Inclusiveology Community for more inclusive teaching strategies.

 #Inclusiveology #GradualReleaseModel #UniversalDesignForLearning #TeacherStuff #TeacherWellbeing #TeacherWellness #TeacherBalance #MindfulTeaching #TeacherSupport #EducationRealTalk #TeacherVibes #TeacherGoals #SpEdTeacher #HomeschoolingLife #EducatorSupport #EducatorLife #InclusiveEducation #LearningForAll #EmpowerEveryLearner #AccessibleLearning #Neurodiversity #EveryStudentCounts #LessonPlanning #EdTech #EducationTechnology #TeachingIdeas #InTheClassroom #SustainableTeaching #TeacherCommunity
The intervention block that almost got cut just br The intervention block that almost got cut just brought three kids to grade level.

That's a win worth raising a glass to!

Small group time is where growth like this actually happens.

Cheers to the block that worked and the kids who showed up for it. 💙

ID: Leonardo DiCaprio Cheers meme. DiCaprio, dressed in a black tuxedo, raises a glass in a toast at a party with fireworks in the background. Text reads, 'When the intervention block that wasn't necessary just brought three kids to grade level.'

 #Inclusiveology #GradualReleaseModel #UniversalDesignForLearning #TeacherStuff #TeacherWellbeing #TeacherWellness #TeacherBalance #MindfulTeaching #TeacherSupport #EducationRealTalk #TeacherVibes #TeacherGoals #SpEdTeacher #HomeschoolingLife #EducatorSupport #EducatorLife #InclusiveEducation #LearningForAll #EmpowerEveryLearner #AccessibleLearning #Neurodiversity #EveryStudentCounts #LessonPlanning #EdTech #EducationTechnology #TeachingIdeas #InTheClassroom #SustainableTeaching #TeacherCommunity
Independent practice is only meaningful when it's Independent practice is only meaningful when it's the result of a well-structured journey, not a shortcut to one.

When a student reaches the "You Do Independently" phase after moving through explicit modeling, guided practice, and collaborative learning, that independent work is evidence of real learning.

It shows you what they actually know. It shows you where they're confident. It shows you where the gaps still are. And it tells you exactly what comes next.

But when independent practice happens too soon?
Before the modeling was explicit enough…
Before the guided practice caught the errors…
Before the collaborative phase built the confidence…

It doesn't show you what students know. It shows you what they were left to figure out alone.

And those are very different things.

The "You Do Independently" phase, when it's implemented well, is one of the most powerful informal assessment tools you have.

You're not just looking for right answers. You're watching the process.
Where are they confident?
Where are they hesitating?
What does that tell you about what comes next?

The goal at the top of that staircase isn't perfection.
It's genuine, self-directed learning.
Not compliance. Not the appearance of mastery.
Real independence.
For every single kid who climbed those steps.

Read the blog: Inclusiveology.com/gradual-release-model 💙

What do you look for during independent practice?
Are you watching the process or just checking the answers?
Tell me in the comments.

ID: 'The Gradual Release Model of Instruction 'You Do Independently.'' Text: 'Independent Practice is the goal, but it's only meaningful if the previous three phases have done their job.' A stepped diagram illustrates the four ascending phases, 'I Do,' 'We Do,' 'You Do Together,' and a flag marking the goal.

#Inclusiveology #GradualReleaseModel #UniversalDesignForLearning #TeacherStuff #TeacherSupport #TeacherVibes #TeacherGoals #SpEdTeacher #EducatorSupport #InclusiveEducation #LearningForAll #AccessibleLearning #LessonPlanning #TeachingIdeas #InTheClassroom #SustainableTeaching #TeacherCommunity
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