Lesson planning can initially seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With this foolproof guide, you can create a lesson plan that will help your students succeed in the classroom and life!
First, let’s talk about what a lesson plan is. You will teach your students from a lesson plan in a particular class period. It includes a list of the topics you will cover, the materials you will use, and the activities you will do to help your students learn. In short, in layman’s terms, it’s a guide to learning a particular topic.
Before you start planning your lesson, you should know what the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) are for the subject you will be teaching. The TEKS are the state standards that all students in Texas are expected to know and be able to do by the end of each grade level. You can find the TEKS on the Texas Education Agency website. Once you know the TEKS, you can start planning your lesson. Here’s a simple, foolproof guide to lesson planning:
Identify the objective
What do you want your students to know or be able to do by the end of the lesson? Write it clearly and measurably. For example, “Students will be able to identify the main idea of a text.” Many teachers use The Learner Will statements (TLW for short).
Determine the activities
What activities will you do to help your students achieve the objective? Make sure they are engaging and interactive.
Prepare the materials
Gather all the materials needed for the lesson, such as worksheets, videos, or online resources.
Plan the assessment
How will you know if your students have achieved the objective? Make sure you have a way to measure their understanding, such as an exit ticket, quiz, or a writing assignment.
Review the Curriculum
Make sure you are aligning your lesson plan with the Curriculum standards and that you are addressing the key concepts and skills that your students need to learn. This can be found in your scope and sequence.
Now that you have a plan, it’s time to teach! Remember to be flexible and willing to make adjustments as needed. The most important thing is that you are creating a lesson plan that will help your students achieve success.
In summary, lesson planning doesn’t have to be complicated. By following this simple guide, you can create a lesson plan to help your students succeed. Start by identifying the objective, determining the activities, preparing the materials, planning the assessment, and aligning it with the Curriculum. Remember to be flexible and willing to make adjustments as needed, and you’ll be on your way to teaching a great lesson!
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