Mini lesson: A mini lesson is a short lesson with a narrow focus that provides instruction in a skill or concept that students will then relate to a larger lesson that will follow. A mini lesson typically precedes reading workshop or writing workshop, but it can serve as an introduction to a social studies, science, or math lesson. (Teachervision)
Mini-lessons have been around for a long, long time, thanks to Nancie Atwell. Like Nancie, we determine the content of mini-lessons based on the needs of our students. Instead of providing whole group instruction, we respond with brief, small group or 1:1 sessions based on our observations of students during reading and writing. Perhaps even more important, though, is empowering students to identify their own needs and wants. To do so, we have a whiteboard, shown below, where students are encouraged to ask for a short, specific mini-lesson. For much of the year, the mini-lessons are delivered by a teacher but as students become more invested in their learning, they begin to share their expertise with their peers.
