I recently read an amazing article in Educational Leadership entitled Starting Strong. I am going to put a copy in all staff's boxes this week and please believe me it is a must read. I hope that this post will sell you on the value of reading this article and incorporating it into what you do each day after you read it.
Ben Curran, the author of this article, shares how careful and throughout planning can lead to academic achievement for our students. He also points out that when planning your lessons, educators must make many instructional decisions that at times seem limitless. But it can become a simpler task when you think of a lesson in three parts- beginning, middle, end- and each has its own features and decisions that need to be made. The author believes the paying attention to the first 10-15 minutes of the lesson pays high dividends and that is the focus of the article.
What and Why (5 -8 minutes)
During this portion of the lesson, teachers need to focus on clarifying the "what" and "the why" of the work. "What" refers to the curriculum and content you are teaching that day. Effective lessons begin with unpacking the objective for students. The "why" refers to the purpose of the lesson. Why is this lesson relevant and important?
Direct or Indirect (7-10 minutes)
Once you know how you will ground students in their learning objectives and purpose, you know work on the "how". What are you wanting to accomplish? Do you want to show them how to do the work or set up a way they can figure out how to do it on their own? Direct Instruction involves you modeling thinking and demonstrating. This is used when teaching students a discrete skill. Indirect Instruction involves structured tasks followed up by discussion and reflection. Many educators believe this does not need to be planned out but it does need to be. "A high quality task-one that ensures students will learn what you want them to-should be aligned to the standards, intellectually engaging, and accessible to all."
This can all seem overwhelming but Curran believes you should just focus on these three questions when planning upcoming lessons:
1) How can I ground students in the lesson's context and purpose?
2) Is a direct or indirect approach best?
3) What few statements or questions do I need to script in advance so that the first 10-15 minutes of this lesson is productive?
I know as you read the above summary of the article you began to wonder how will this look in my lesson planning. I want you to read over this article (will be in your box Monday) and reflect on it during your planning for next week. Each educator in the building will need to answer these three questions when planning and be ready to discuss your reflections with administration. More information will follow but I care more about your reflection than just turning something in that shows on paper you know how to answer questions. If you need guidance or help, feel free to reach out to me and your peers.
Hope everyone has had a great weekend and I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!
Angela
Week of October 24-29, 2016
Monday, October 24
- “We mustache you not to do drugs”- mustache day (students wear uniforms)
- Red Ribbon Bulletin Boards Go Up (If you as a staff member have a board planned you may wear jeans all week- must look neat. Please do not wear jeans until Friday if you are not putting a board up)
- SIT Mtg at 3:30 in Cafe
Tuesday, October 25
- “Use your head, don’t do drugs”- Crazy Hair or Hat Day (still in uniform)
- Mclass: progress monitor red students
- PLCs (SST)- bring your notebooks
- 5th/6th/7th: 8:30-9:30
- Arts: 9:30-10
- K: 10-11
- 1st/2nd: 12-1
- 3rd/4th: 1-2
- Support/ EC: 2-2:45
- 6th/7th/Brownlee - ASOM Field Trip at 10
- Continue working on Red Ribbon Week Board
- **DOJO MESSAGE: “Parents, please make sure your student is wearing school-appropriate pajamas tomorrow for Red Ribbon Week PJ Day, Thank you”**
Wednesday, October 26
- "Don’t be caught sleeping, say NO to drugs"
- Mclass: Progress monitor red students
- School Leaders Mtg: 3:30 Location TBD
- Continue working on Red Ribbon Week Board
Thursday, October 27
- “Friends don’t let friends do drugs"- Twin/ triplet day
- Continue working on Red Ribbon Week Board
Friday, October 28
- "Better things to do than drugs"
- Bulletin Board Judging in PM
Reminders
- All staff is encouraged to participate in Red Ribbon Week and please make sure you review Dr. Caine's Red Ribbon letter for daily details.
- You may wear jeans all week if you participate in the bulletin board contest...just try to bet admin's board!!!!
- It is your responsibility to read the blog and if you have questions ask and not assume.
- FEO Envelop Drive deadline has been extended until 11/4
- Thank you to everyone who made the Storybook Dance happen. I believe the kids had a ball and some of you did as well.
- READ THE RED RIBBON WEEK LETTER FROM DR. CAINE!!
- Please make sure you update goals near office if needed.
- BEGINNING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25 PLEASE POST YOUR LEARNING OBJECTIVES (kid friendly) DAILY. If you need suggestions please look here:
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