My school is incorporating one extended learning session – what do I do?
#1: Don’t panic.
Extended learning sessions will be an adjustment, and right now an eighty or ninety minute class sounds like forever, but you’ll be surprised how fast it goes.
#2: Plan ahead.
What activities do you already do that could use that extra 20 minutes? Tests, writing assignments, cooperative learning, labs, multi-step projects -- plan these on an extended learning session day.
#3: Schedule multiple activities in each period.
Students can’t sit still and work on one thing for 75 or more minutes. Plan for at least three shorter activities (or an activity with multiple steps) on the extended learning session day to help students stay focused. Also, make sure to have some back-up plans in case an activity doesn’t take as long as you expected.
Try some of these tips for 5-minute fillers, so you never find yourself with instructional "dead air."
#4: Think outside the box.
Was there an interesting lesson you wanted to try, but didn’t have the time? Now’s your chance. Extended learning sessions allow for debates, simulation activities, guest speakers, trips to the school library or computer lab, showing a movie, or having students put on a skit or panel discussion. It may take some time to find the new activities to expand your repertoire, but you may find that you like teaching in an extended learning session even more!
Links to articles focused on teaching in extended learning sessions:
Making the Most of a 90-Minute Block
Deeper Class Discussions with the TQE Method
Teaching in the Block: Strategies for Engaging Active Strategies for Engaging Active Learners
Tips for Teaching on the Block Schedule
How to Structure a 100 Minute Class Period
Books focused on teaching in extended learning sessions:
Tools for Teaching in the Block 1st Edition by Roberta L. Sejnost
Teaching in the Block 1st Edition by Robert Canady/Michael Rettig
Thinking Inside the Block Schedule: Strategies for Teaching in Extended Periods of Time 1st Edition by Pamela M. Robbins, Gayle H. Gregory, Lynne E. Herndon
Podcast: The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast - On Apple Podcasts
Podcast: Ted Talks Education - On Apple Podcasts
Podcast: K-12 Greatest Hits: The Best Ideas in Education - On Apple Podcasts
Podcast: Every Classroom Matters with Cool Cat Teacher - On Apple Podcasts
Podcast: Teachers on Fire - On Apple Podcasts
Podcast: The Early Childood Research Podcast - On Apple Podcasts
Podcast: VASCD Deeper Insight - On Spotify
Podcast: Reimagine Schools - On Spotify
Podcast: The Google Teacher Podcast - On Spotify