Key Considerations

1. Review Assignment Components

• Examine the questions, problems, or examples included in the assignment.

• Identify sections that may require sustained reading, complex analysis, or multi-step thinking.

• Consider whether the reading materials are aligned with students’ current independent reading levels. When text complexity exceeds current ability levels, chunking the content into smaller sections (1-2 paragraphs at a time) paired with related questions or tasks can help maintain accessibility.

2. Examine Required Skills

• Identify the specific skills students must apply to complete each section of the assignment.

• Note whether the assignment requires students to apply multiple properties, rules, or steps within a single problem set. This is especially important in subjects like math and grammar, where assignments may blend multiple skill types.

• Consider grouping questions by skill or concept to build fluency before combining multiple skills into a single task.

3. Scaffold Multi-Step Tasks

• For complex content (such as simplifying exponential expressions or analyzing multi-paragraph texts), break initial practice into single-skill opportunities before asking students to synthesize and apply multiple skills simultaneously.

• Pair visual supports (like anchor charts or worked examples) with each chunk to reinforce key concepts and strategies.

Opportunities to Embed Chunking into Collaborative and Engaging Instruction

Based on feedback from the Kelly Miller observations, students benefit most when they actively engage with each other in discussing and processing their work, rather than completing tasks in isolation. Chunking assignments into collaborative learning segments can enhance student-to-student dialogue, real-time feedback, and collective problem-solving.

Suggested Techniques to Combine with Chunking

• “Notice and Wonder”: Before and after each chunk, prompt students to identify what they notice about the content and what they wonder. This technique supports processing and provides insight into student thinking, allowing teachers to address misconceptions earlier.

• “Turn and Talk”: Within each chunked segment, embed opportunities for students to explain their thinking to a peer, which reinforces understanding and allows for peer feedback.

• Use of Randomization Tools: Tools like popsicle sticks or digital randomizers can ensure all students participate during the review of chunked sections, rather than relying on volunteers.

• Math-Specific Guidance: For math lessons, leverage the Teacher Notes in the IM curriculum to guide student thinking during launches, activities, and synthesis phases. These notes often suggest natural breakpoints for chunking content and structuring discussions. Additionally, integrating IM math kits and manipulatives can provide hands-on, concrete supports within each chunked section.

Benefits of Chunking with Embedded Engagement Strategies

• Earlier Identification of Misconceptions: Breaking content into smaller, interactive segments allows teachers to catch misunderstandings quickly, reducing the need for re-teaching after work submission.

• Increased Student Discourse: Chunking combined with peer dialogue ensures students process content together, promoting collaborative problem-solving and peer-supported learning.

• Stronger Student Autonomy: By breaking larger assignments into achievable steps, students experience regular success points, which builds confidence and the skills needed to manage independent learning.

Chunking assignments isn’t just about dividing work into smaller parts—it’s about creating structured, supportive learning experiences where students actively engage with content, their peers, and their own thinking. Combined with evidence-based strategies like Notice and Wonder, Turn and Talk, and strategically designed scaffolds, chunking can transform passive completion into active learning, particularly for students who need more support to access and succeed with grade-level work.