Explain Assignment and/or Directions

Why should I do it?

• It provides you with reassurance the student understands what you are saying
• Increases students confidence
• Reduces off task behavior, work avoidance, and disruptions
• Improves work completion and comprehension
• Decreases the amount of time for students to complete tasks
• Reassures student
• Can provide clarification for other students as well as the one you are explaining it to

When should I do it?

• When students often say they don’t understand the work
• When students don’t start on the assignment immediately or significantly under the pace of the majority of the class
• When students are goofing around, horse playing, off task, or exhibiting behavior issues
• When students exhibit work avoidance, like going to the bathroom, getting a drink, getting supplies and materials, etc

How do I do it?

• Explain the assignment/directions to student using eye contact and getting down to student’s level
  • For students that may feel embarrassed, timid, or shy, you may speak in a quiet tone and possibly have the student come up to the teachers desk
• Have student repeat the directions to you
• Watch the student do the first portion to help problem solve
• Check in periodically with the student
• Encourage students to ask for clarification or repetition of assignments and directions frequently