⭐ The Art of Modelling: Backwards Fading

A step-by-step guide for WAGOLL+ members on how to use backwards fading to model tricky processes for primary children

💡 The Big Idea

"I do, we do, you do" is a familiar phrase in teaching, but sometimes pupils need a more gradual handover of responsibility. That's where backwards fading comes in. This is a modelling approach where you start by demonstrating the whole process and then slowly step back, giving pupils more to do each time. It's like teaching a child to ride a bike by running alongside them, then letting go a little more each time until they're pedalling away on their own.

This strategy works beautifully for processes pupils need to replicate over and over. Things like column subtraction, sentence construction, or even a song verse.

👀 A Closer Look: The Script for Backwards Fading

Let's say we're teaching column subtraction with exchanging in Year 3. Here's your step-by-step plan:

Step 1: Full Model (I do it all)

🗣 "Watch carefully. I'm going to show you the whole process from start to finish. Your job right now is to watch and think about each step."

• Model the full calculation, narrating your thought process.

• Point out where you exchange and why.

• Use a visualiser or paper to replicate the student’s workbook as much as possible

• Track steps using a list of steps you either have displayed earlier or co-construct with the class as you model.

✅ Key tip: Keep the language consistent every time you model.