When planning a unit of instruction, my overall goal is to create a unit that is standard driven with a sub-goal of teaching writing methods and/or reading strategies. I reach this goal by doing the following:
- Using Backward Design allows the lesson plan to be cohesive and well-planned, and focuses on a desired result. I select the Common Core standard(s) I will address and then pose the Essential Questions and Enduring Understandings that my students focus on throughout the lesson (Wiggins and McTighe)
- Creating a variety of activities and assessments gives my students the opportunity to let other skills shine, such as art or music. Taking into consideration different learning styles and multiple intelligences, I implement them into the lessons enable my students to expand their learning (Pritchard, Smagorinsky)
- Designing a variety of assessments where my students do not simply transfer knowledge, but implement it into the assessment (Shepard)
- Keeping learning relevant is an important aspect of getting students engaged in the lesson. Mixing popular culture references and examples, as well as utilizing technology in the classroom makes the learning fun. Learning to effectively use technology for research, presentations, and future career paths is also an essential skill for my students
Lesson Plans
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"A good teacher, like a good entertainer, first must hold his audience's attention, then he can teach his lesson."
John Henrik Clarke (1915-1998)
John Henrik Clarke (1915-1998)