(Students should have 35–45 minutes to work independently each day while the teacher confers and leads small groups.)
The most important words of the minilesson are the final ones: “Off you go.” Then students disperse to their work spots to read or write. As students work, they will draw on a repertoire of strategies, developed across the days of the unit (and across other units, too).
While students work independently, the teacher cirulates among them, observing their progress, conferring with individuals, and leading small group work.