Lesson Planning

1. Objective

Having a clear goal and direction for the class is the most important part of starting to plan a lesson. Objectives should be very specific, measurable, and attainable. For example:

• Students will be able to list and distinguish between objects and complements in written sentences.
• Students will be able to correctly use 5 new vocabulary words learned through listening exercises.
• Students will demonstrate ability to correctly use 10 prepositional phrases.

2. Anticipatory Set

Warming up the class, reviewing previous material that may be needed for the new lesson, and doing a short activity to introduce the lesson topic. This part of the lesson is usually 10-15 minutes long. It gives the teacher a chance to see how much the students may already know about the topic, and warms up the students' brains for connecting and applying the lesson to other things that they know.

3. Procedure

This is the actual teaching of a skill, topic, idea, or concept. It is important to think through exactly what will be said and what will be demonstrated. Also keep in mind how it connects back to the objectives for what students should be able to do by the end of the class.

• It is usually best to have no more than 10-15 minutes of direct teaching time, with guided practice, observation, or reading for the students to follow along.
• After teaching and modeling, students should be given time to practice with guided direction.

4. Check for Understanding

Asking CCQs, comprehension check questions, or giving a small assignment for students to try on their own gives the teacher a chance to see how much of the lesson the students understand.

5. Practice

Now that the students have learned the skill or topic, they can begin practicing. Games and activities that target the use of the skill are appropriate at this time, as are structured assignments or pair work. Most importantly, students need to have clear instruction, adequate time, and access to needed resources in order to complete any practice assignment that is given. The teacher does not give guided instruction, but is available to answer questions and make sure students are supported.

6. Closure

This is the time to summarize the lesson and check through the objectives that were set at the beginning of the class. Examine student work, ask CCQs, or play a quick game to review the material that was covered during class. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.

• Assign homework. Be sure to leave time for explaining any homework assignment, with instructions and expectations.

7. Reflection

After the class, take a few minutes to note how you feel it went. Note what went well, what seemed challenging for the students, and how well the objectives were met by the end of class. Also consider any misunderstandings or changes that should be made to materials, wording, or assignment instructions.