Modeling Is the Bridge Between “I Don’t Get It” and “I Can Do It”

Some students don’t need more practice.They need to see how it’s done first.

For many learners—especially those with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, or other learning differences—skills don’t “click” just by being told what to do. They click when the adult models the thinking, shows the steps, and walks beside them before asking for independence.

This is where the quiet magic of modeling happens.

What Modeling Really Looks Like

Modeling is not lecturing.Modeling is thinking out loud so students can hear the invisible steps.

It often follows a simple, powerful rhythm:

I teach → We do → You do

Modeling is gradually building skills where students can see it-ask questions-do it together-and move toward independence-LEARNING

This gradual release of responsibility gives students a safe runway toward independence.

In Reading

A struggling reader doesn’t just need to be told, “sound it out.”

They need to hear:

“I see this vowel team. I know what sound it makes. I’m going to slide through the word like this…”

They watch your finger track the print.They hear the blending.They see how you break apart tricky words. Before long, they’re whispering the same steps to themselves.

In Writing

Writing can feel overwhelming when the page is blank.

But when a teacher says:

“Watch me think. I’m going to plan my sentence. I’m going to say it out loud. Now I’m going to write it…”

Students realize writing is not magic. It’s a series of small, doable steps.

They begin to copy the process, not just the product.

In Math

Math is full of invisible thinking.

When students struggle, it’s often because no one has shown them how to think through a problem.

Modeling sounds like:

“I’m noticing the tens place first…”“I’m going to regroup because…”“I’m checking my work like this…”

They see the manipulatives. They hear the reasoning. They copy the steps.

And confidence grows.

How We Do This at My Learning Farm

At My Learning Farm, modeling isn’t an extra strategy.It’s the foundation of how we teach.

Every lesson includes:

• Explicit demonstration

• Scaffolded practice together

• Guided support with immediate feedback

• Independent application once confidence is built

Students see it, say it, hear it, and do it—in reading, writing, and math.

We don’t rush independence. We build it.

Because when a child says,

“Ohhh… now I see how you do that,”we know learning is taking root.