Framing the Lesson

Framing the Lesson

A lesson frame is a daily objective made up of two parts. The first part is the learning objective for the lesson, i.e. what students can expect to learn today in class. The second part of the lesson frame is the closing question, product, or task: “The closing question, product, or task clearly states how the student will demonstrate his or her understanding of the learning objective for that day” (Cain & Laird, 2011, p. 25).

The lesson frame is presented in a student-friendly language in the form of a “We will . . .” statement, i.e. the learning objective for the lesson, and a “I will . . . ” statement, i.e. how the student will demonstrate his or her understanding. Cain & Laird (2011) stressed that “Because the lesson frame serves as an external mental filter, it is important that the teacher post it prominently in the classroom and that it remain posted throughout the class period so students can refer to it as needed” (p. 32).