Interactive Modeling is a straightforward, quickly paced, seven-step process that’s effective for teaching children any academic or social skill, routine, or procedure that you want them to do in a specific way. One of the essential practices of the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching elementary school children, Interactive Modeling can be used by any adult anywhere in school at any time of year.

How does Interactive Modeling differ from traditional modeling?

In traditional modeling, the teacher shows children how to do a skill, routine, or procedure, tells them what to notice, and expects that they will learn it immediately. Interactive Modeling also shows children how to do skills, routines, or procedures, but it goes well beyond that basic step. Students also:

• Learn exactly why the skill, routine, or procedure is important to their learning and the respectful, smooth functioning of the classroom.
• Are asked what they noticed about the teacher’s modeling (rather than told by their teacher what to notice).
• See a few classmates additionally model the routine or procedure after the teacher’s initial modeling.
• Practice the routine or procedure right away.
• Receive immediate feedback and coaching from their teacher while they practice.