The Building Blocks of Lesson Planning
There are SO many things to consider when you start building your own lessons. I'm going to tell you right now: I'm going to give you way TOO MANY things to think about. That being said, here's how you can use this page. Decide on 1-2 things you want to work on when lesson planning. Is it increasing engagement? Integrating more technology? Do you need to embed more discussions or collaborative work time? Maybe you'd like ways to assess students on the daily? Whatever it might be, hone in on the column and choose a bullet point to try out.
First off, let's think about some things you may want to consider, especially if you're teaching secondary:
First off, let's think about some things you may want to consider, especially if you're teaching secondary:
After the "basic" decisions are made about the lesson and what you need to do that day, let's look into the nitty gritty! As you review how you might consider teaching the concept or skill, also think about the way you write it on the board. The more full an agenda looks, the more students are in the mindset of... "We have A LOT to do today!" For example, if you have a 90 minute block, your agenda might look like this (at right):
Yes, I realize that looks crazy! But your students will also recognize how much there is to accomplish, even if your "mini-lesson" is really only you telling them they should visualize what they are reading today as one potential reading strategy. Not every mini-lesson needs to be 10 minutes, neither do they need a presentation tool (ppt, prezi, smore, etc).
Yes, I realize that looks crazy! But your students will also recognize how much there is to accomplish, even if your "mini-lesson" is really only you telling them they should visualize what they are reading today as one potential reading strategy. Not every mini-lesson needs to be 10 minutes, neither do they need a presentation tool (ppt, prezi, smore, etc).
Instructional Tools/Strategies
Now on to some ideas for what to do in each of those segments!
Hook/Intro Ideas:
Teaching (Direct)
Teaching (Indirect)
Processing: Discussion
Processing: Thinking
Higher Level Thinking
Wrap-Up/Review/Exit Ticket:
|
Groups/Collaboration:
Ways to Respond
Here are a few more ESL Strategies to try!
Considering ALL Learners
The chart below has ideas for how to add modifications for students who might be struggling. At the same time, how do we deepen and extend the learning to challenge those who are ready for more?
Also, as you design centers/stations, maybe you could consider whether you are catering to different learning styles - could a few centers be modified to include other styles? Maybe you just need to consider how well your lesson is prepped for different learning styles or to integrate the Austin ISD "6 C's." For cultural proficiency, for example, it's not so much about what strategies you're using to teach the lesson. Try swapping out a text or looking at it from a different perspective. |
*** Be sure to also check out my page on Tech Tools for more ways to incorporate technology. ***
Conferring
During reading, writing, or centers/stations, the conference is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of your lesson. It is a chance to work 1-1 or in a small group to preview, review, or assess a skill or concept.
Even the type of conferences vary! Do students need a reading strategy, a writing strategy, or a mentor text? What about non-instructional conferences? Do you need to have grade conferences, attendance checks, or a 1-1 on behavior management?
Conferences build relationships and opportunities. Make notes to yourself intentionally about which 5-8 students you are planning on conferring with today and why they need a conference. And take notes - either on paper or digitally!
Even the type of conferences vary! Do students need a reading strategy, a writing strategy, or a mentor text? What about non-instructional conferences? Do you need to have grade conferences, attendance checks, or a 1-1 on behavior management?
Conferences build relationships and opportunities. Make notes to yourself intentionally about which 5-8 students you are planning on conferring with today and why they need a conference. And take notes - either on paper or digitally!
Let's Reflect!
Many teachers forget about a very important step in the planning process - the reflection! After your lesson, take a few minutes to think about how it went and/or what you would change in the future. Here is one sample of how to structure your reflection:
Still Need Help?
Also, click each link below for help on the following topics:
Setting Up Your Classroom
Writing Strategies and Anchor Charts
Reading Strategies and Anchor Charts
OER/SAQ Support and Anchor Charts
Setting Up Your Interactive Notebook
There are also multi-media presentations and videos for many TEKS already listed on my page "Videos and Online Resources."
Setting Up Your Classroom
Writing Strategies and Anchor Charts
Reading Strategies and Anchor Charts
OER/SAQ Support and Anchor Charts
Setting Up Your Interactive Notebook
There are also multi-media presentations and videos for many TEKS already listed on my page "Videos and Online Resources."