© Copyright 2023 Watson Institute. The Watson Institute (Watson) encourages you to access and print material from our website at www.thewatsoninstitute.org for personal use only. Any other copying, linking to another website, blog post or social media, distribution, modification, transmission, or dissemination of the website content is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of Watson. View full terms of use.
Write ‘n Pause
-
Situation
Some students in my class never follow directions. They just sit, or don’t put away materials and get what they need next. How can I help these students?
-
Summary
Write an “agenda” for your lesson or the next few activities (not the day) on the board for students who may miss directions. Remember to wait 2-3 seconds between directions to give some students a chance to process the information and then act upon it.
-
Definition
The Write’n Pause strategy assists students who cannot keep up with directions due to shifting or auditory processing issues. It includes an “agenda” of the next activity or lesson listed on the board and waiting at least 2-3 seconds between directions. Some students need up to 8 seconds or more to “hear” a direction.
-
Quick Facts
- Child's Age: 6-10, 11-13, 14-17, 18+
- Planning Effort: Low
- Difficulty Level: Easy
-
Pre-requisites
ability to read
-
Process
-
Make an “agenda” or list of what will be taught in the next lesson or activity.
-
Show the agenda and review with students.
-
When giving directions wait 2-3 seconds at the minimum before giving the next one.
-
Option – as each line of the agenda is completed it can be erased so the student knows what assignments and activities still need to be completed.
-
-
Documents and Related Resources
If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.