Piecing Together the Lesson Plan Puzzle

Writing a lesson is just like putting together the different pieces of a puzzle to obtain a finished product. There are many ways to go about planning a lesson. Today we will begin by finding out how to find our content objectives on the KSDE and the DESE websites. This is the first step in planning a lesson.

TEACHING SHOULD BE...

But first, I want you to respond to one of the following quotes from your textbook by telling me what you think it means. Choose the one you agree with most and tell me how you see this idea of teaching affecting your classroom and lesson planning. Then finally I want you to tell me if you believe it is possible to incorporate all 4 ideas about teaching in your classroom and tell me how you will do this.

"The first group believes that schools should equip students with knowledge that is lasting, important and fundamental to the human experience." 

"The second group believes that  the natural course of child development should be the basis for curriculum planning."

"The third group works backward from perceptions of society's needs, seeking to design schooling to prepare children to fulfill adult roles in the society."

"Finally the fourth group seeks to use schools to combat social injustice and promote social change." 

AUTHENTIC ACTIVITIES

What are authentic activities? Why should the activities you include in your classroom be authentic?

After taking a look at the content standards/objectives, make a list of at least 5 activities you believe are meaningful and you wish to incorporate into your classroom.

For Example:

Students will make reflection notebooks that allow them to record insights about the different genres we are reading in order to relate the experiences in the classroom to their lives outside of school and current events.

Students will create a vocabulary journal to track their expanding vocabulary throughout the school year. 

Students will participate in reading groups in order to discuss themes, concepts and ideas that we are reading with their peers.

LESSON PLANNING

Lets look at some sample lesson plans to answer the below questions.

Literature Land Theme Park

The Earth

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A LESSON PLAN?

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO CREATING A LESSON PLAN?

Microteaching Instructions

You will present a 10 minute portion of your 90 minute lesson plan. Your lesson plan should incorporate the things we've discussed in class such as authentic learning activities, cooperative learning, high engagement activities. You will present either July 29th or July 31st. Please bring all materials necessary for the students in our class and myself to participate in your micro lesson.