Note: Today's lesson is truly a learning experience. Today's lesson typically is a blended learning experience that includes multiple student paths, activities and events. Hence, rather than planning a lesson, today we choreography a learning experience. Below I've used the traditional terminology of "lesson plan," but as you use this planning template, think both tight (the discrete lesson time) and broad (the 24-7 lesson effect), as you plan a dynamic learning experience for all students.
Lesson Planning Template
Standard 1A4: Well Structured Lessons (Lesson Planning)
A unit framework should be planned about a month or more prior to implementation. The unit document should be placed on a website for all in the learning community (students, families, educators, leaders, and the community) to access for review, learning, and enrichment before, during, and after the unit roll-out. As the unit rolls out, specific lesson details and plans can be added to the website since good lesson planning responds to student learning acquisition, need, and interest.
So, start your lesson planning by creating or revising the unit framework independently or with colleagues.
Technologies
Create an online transparent and easily accessible website for every unit.
Online Unit Website
Unit Title, Purpose
Unit Objectives
Unit Roll-Out: Lessons, Events, and Field Studies
Unit Extensions and Enrichment
Unit Website Link
See example
After that, research the lesson, and keep a list of the resources and exemplars* on the website so the learning community can easily access the resources before, during, and after the lesson. *Use exemplars to model high standards.
Resources:
What resources will support and enrich this lesson?
Lesson research and review will help you to access the best resources for planning, implementing, assessing, and revising lessons.
Use your in-house PLN and online PLN to help you access best resources.
Keep a resource file or list online so that students and families may access the resources before or atter the lesson if interested in order to extend the learning.
Resource List
Next plan the specific lesson. Start w/lesson objective: What learning do you plan for students to achieve? Define the success criteria explicitly with descriptions of what effective effort and high quality work looks like for this lesson.
Objective
(standard(s))
(success criteria)
Write an easy to measure, meaningful objective.
Set goals with students when possible.
Students will learn __________________________________________________________, they
will demonstrate the learning by (success criteria) _____________________________________
Then begin planning the lesson specifics, start backwards with measurement and assessment:
How will I assess the lesson’s success and student learning?
Measurable objectives
How will I assess student learning at the end of a lesson?
Observation
Exit Ticket Writing
Quick Quiz
Class Share
Assessment of Activity Results
Explain evaluation procedures with students.
Students will demonstrate learning by
________________________________________________,
and student learning will be assessed by
______________________________________________.
After that, plan the lesson roll-out.
Lesson Introduction:
What engagement strategies will I employ at the start of the lesson?
Pacing/
Specific Activities
What is a student- centered, brain-friendly way to pace the lesson?
Grouping
In what ways will I group students to foster optimal learning?
Capture learners’ attention.
Make connections.
Tap into students’ emotions/experiences.
Use narrative.
Good questioning: perplexing, paradoxical, unexpected.
Short videos, artifacts. or multi-sensory introduction.
10-15% focus lesson
70%-80% active learning
10%-15% closing share, next steps discussion.
Like ability grouping
Stronger-more challenged grouping
Role grouping
Social grouping.
Random grouping
Circle chosen technique(s) on left-hand list. Then write specific links, details below.
Focus Lesson
Activities
Closing, Share, Assessment
Grouping Type: __________________________________________________
Reason: _______________________________________________________
List of specific groups:
Once the lesson plan is set, then set the stage for learning.
Classroom Set-Up
How will I set-up the learning environment to support student learning success?
Materials:
What are the best materials to use in order to develop student learning?
Table arrangement
Intro/share space set-up
Visuals displayed including learning objective, activity menu, vocabulary and other important resources
Technology ready to go.
Available and accessible to learners.
Hands-on, paper/pencil, tech-related.
Create or adapt materials for solving problems.
Model material thinking, use and care during focus lesson.
Choose materials that best meet the lessons objectives.
Draw a map or make notes about the learning environment set-up.
Materials List: (Including Technology)
.
Lesson Template for Website Inclusion
Include the information below on the website for student, teacher, family, and leader/evaluator access.
Example: