Do you feel like your students can’t work independently without constant guidance?
I’ve been there. I know the struggle of standing in front of a room full of little hands raised, wishing I could get through a lesson without all the interruptions.
The challenges in teaching independence are real, but I promise you, they’re not impossible to overcome.
With the right tools and a little planning, you can help your students build independence without feeling overwhelmed yourself.
Keep reading to discover three common challenges in teaching independence and simple solutions that will help you regain your sanity while building strong, independent learners.
Challenge 1: Students Don’t Know What to Do
One of the biggest challenges in teaching independence is making sure your students know exactly what they’re supposed to be doing.
When tasks feel unclear, frustration builds – and that frustration is contagious.
Solution:
Visual instructions and consistent activities are your best friends.
Simple visuals, like step-by-step instructions or icons, give students a clear path to follow.
Combine that with activities that have a predictable format, and you’ll start seeing your students take more initiative.
Not sure where to start?
My free math choice menu is a great tool to give your students clear, independent options right away.
Challenge 2: Lack of Time to Plan
As a teacher, I know how busy your days can get.
Between grading, meetings, and everything else on your plate, finding time to create meaningful, independent activities for your students feels impossible.
This is another of the common challenges in teaching independence that teachers face all the time.
Solution:
Low-prep resources like my monthly choice boards and engaging games are designed with you in mind.
These tools are ready to go when you are, so you can save time on planning and focus on what matters most – your students.
Teachers tell me how much of a difference these tools make. “Using simple choice boards transformed my centers!”
One resource can save you hours of prep while keeping your students engaged and on task.
Challenge 3: Students Struggle to Stay Focused
Let’s be honest – keeping young learners focused, especially during independent work, can be a challenge.
Distractions are everywhere, right?
Solution:
Engaging, themed activities are the secret to keeping students focused.
By tying math skills to something seasonal or fun, you’ll grab their attention and keep it.
That’s exactly why I design seasonal math resources – to help your students stay on task while having fun.
When kids are excited about what they’re doing, independence comes more naturally.
Building Independence Takes Time
Building independence doesn’t happen overnight.
The challenges in teaching independence can feel overwhelming at first, but remember: small changes add up.
With the right tools, your students will surprise you – and you’ll feel less overwhelmed in the process.
You don’t have to do it all alone.
Resources like my free math choice menu and full collection of low-prep tools are here to help.
Grab your free choice menu and start transforming your classroom today.
Your evenings deserve to be yours again. With a little support, you can make that happen.
Pin this to Pinterest for later
