Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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A simple visual cue helps students practice independence and problem-solving while creating uninterrupted time for small-group instruction.

One challenge many elementary teachers face is finding uninterrupted time to work with a small group while the rest of the class remains engaged and productive. At Ojibwa Elementary School in Macomb, Michigan, second-grade teacher Renee Sheridan uses a simple routine she calls “Coffee Shop Mode” to create that space while helping students build self-management skills.

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