Mini Lessons
Whole or Small Group
Benefits to Students
Benefits to Students
- learn strategies or procedures in a direct, explicit format (short, targeted) enabling students to focus and learn more effectively; 10-15 minutes
- exposed to content standards that need to be met
- builds common language and understanding
- builds on previous learning
- hear consistent and precise language which is reinforced during small group and independent work
- co-construct anchor charts makes thinking visible, supports development of metacognition, builds common language and serves as reference point for further practice
Planning
Planning
- Lesson opening - Activate prior knowledge/ build background knowledge and state lesson purpose; clearly stated objective/goal connected to prior learning
- Model/think aloud - Demonstrate each step of a routine, model the use of a strategy using a piece of text, have students assist with building an anchor chart
- Collaborative conversations - whole group, partner,
- Lesson wrap-up - Students share what they have learned. Remind students they can use these routines and strategies during independent work time.
Assessment - Listen to student responses, comprehension questions, retelling to evaluate students’ progress and who may need follow-up small group instruction
Second grade example
Second grade example
5th grade example
5th grade example