Lesson Design

Plan specifically for multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement.

DCAP UDL Storyboard Templates

DCAP UDL Storyboard Templates

Plan to remove barriers for the student to access the learing.

Barrier ID form Packet - Stapled 50 Copies.pdf

Provide for consistent beginning and closing class routines.

Have specific beginning of class routines.

Have a "Do Now" for the beginning of each class.

Share lesson goals with students each day and check on progress towards those goals at the end and throughout of the lesson.

Provide a daily agenda to students.

Incorporate opportunities for student movement into lessons.

Incorporate “wait time” into lessons.

  • See video of teaching strategically using silence in their classroom.

Design lessons with 10-2 or chunk/chew in mind.

  • Research reinforces the importance of allowing at least two minutes of student processing time with every ten minutes of teacher lecture. It is the two minutes that supports comprehensible output, negotiating meaning, and a risk-free environment to try new vocabulary and concepts with someone the student understands — another student.

Provide for multiple means for students to express their learning.

  • See link for strategies for providing for multiple means of expression (Universal Design for Learning).
  • Incorporate learning menus or stations as a form of lesson design. Learn more about learning menus here.

Provide opportunities for choice within assignment and assessment.

  • Format student practice in the form of learning menus.
  • Provide options for multiple means of expression. See link for strategies.
  • Incorporate use of technology for assessment including Plickers, Google Forms, Quizlet, and Socrative.

Support students to employ the revision/retake/test correction policies.

  • See link for MVMMS policy for revision/retake.
  • Allow additional time for assessments.

Provide for multiple grouping structures.

  • See link for description of cooperative learning structures.
  • See link for videos of different grouping structures.
  • See series of videos on how two teachers make use of collaborative structures.
  • See video for an example of teaching using Jigsaw to prepare for literature circles.
  • See video for three strategies to support student collaboration.


Clarify directions and questions for students.

  • Have students paraphrase directions and questions as needed.
  • Provide explanatory devices (mental imagery, think alouds). (need resource here)

Check for understanding frequently.