Due to scheduling conflicts, periods of instruction are often only 20 - 30 minutes long. It is very important for kids to have long periods of worktime where they can do independent work, center work, writing process, meet in reading groups, etc. With all of the pull-out programs being enforced at schools, it is very difficult to make a consistent work period for your kids. However, if possible try to schedule 2 - 2 1/2 hours a day where your students will have uninterruptable work time. This time should be scheduled at the same time each day so kids know what to expect. Developing this kind of uninterrupted time may be something you need to work on with your principal and fellow teachers; it should be a school wide plan.