Ask Catlin - Are We Expecting Independence Before We’ve Taught It?

In this Ask Catlin episode, I respond to three questions educators have recently shared with me on social media about active processing, note-taking, and the Station Rotation Model.

I explore how teachers can build meaningful processing opportunities into whole-group instruction without creating elaborate activities, and I share a gradual-release approach for explicitly teaching students how to take notes. I also discuss how elementary resource teachers can use Station Rotation to provide targeted small-group instruction for students working toward different IEP goals.

Across all three questions, I emphasize the importance of providing intentional scaffolds and support as we help students develop greater confidence and independence as learners.