As you design for instruction using a blended model, here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Start with your learning objectives*. What are you asking students to do? What skills and knowledge will they need to be successful? What content is better taught face to face? What content is best for independent learning? Online/offline, peer collaboration? *Important Note- It's not about the technology tools!
• What resources do students have access to?
• What learning differences do I need to consider? How will I differentiate to meet those needs?

• How can I increase the level of critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, student agency
• How am I organizing the learning- by unit, by the week, by the concept?
• What do I need to consider in regards to the model I'm using? (station rotation timing, playlist structure, progress monitoring)

This is not a comprehensive list; just some points to keep in mind. These are actually things you do when planning for a traditional model. You just need to change your lens and examine it through a blended learning perspective, with students working on different things during the same time period.

Small group instruction is at the heart of a blended model. Small groups allow you to focus in more specifically on learner needs, connect with them personally and determine their level of understanding faster. You can provide immediate feedback which is one of the strongest influencers of learning. As you plan, you can think about what you used to do when teaching whole group and start shifting that to your small group instructional planning. You may make adjustments in content and/or delivery to differentiate for different learners. While you conduct small group instruction, students are working online or offline activities, solo or with peers; they must however, be able to work independently. What skills will you need to build in students for them to work independently without disrupting you? How will they get help if they need it? These things should be built into your instruction at the start of the year. Independent learning skills will be critical to ensure effective small group instruction.