https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai Synthesis of Chapter 3 from the book "Developing Readers and Writers in the Content Areas" by D. W. Moore, S. A. Moore, P. M. Cunningham, and J. W. Cunningham en-us 2016-09-17 23:43:18 UTC 2019-07-31 17:55:04 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Apple.png FromFifthToInfinity https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124538734 As the old adage goes, "when you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Effective unit planning sets the tone for the classroom and provides the foundation for student success. In the "Looking Ahead" section of Chapter 3,  the authors suggest that there are three major steps in the unit planning process: Choosing a topic, framing the topic, and working within that frame. This padlet will guide you to some helpful resources that will assist you in each step of your planning process.]]> 2016-09-18 00:06:44 UTC https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124538734 FromFifthToInfinity https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124539208 2016-09-18 00:34:00 UTC https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124539208 FromFifthToInfinity https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124539217 When choosing a topic, VA educators often refer to the Standards of Learning provided on the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website to assure that their instruction is aligned with the assessment that students will see at the end of the year. Along with specifics regarding testing requirements, you can find sample lesson plans, blueprints for the test, and other resources to supplement your instruction. This site is the first stop in choosing a topic that is both state-aligned and engaging for students. ]]> 2016-09-18 00:34:43 UTC https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124539217 FromFifthToInfinity https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124573165 Ensuring that students are engaged is a tough but necessary task for teachers hoping to maximize their instructional time. In this article entitled "5 Ways to Give Your Students More Voice and Choice", author Rebecca Alber suggests that teachers should act as facilitators of the learning process and incorporate strategies such as using think-alouds and inquiry- based learning to encourage student engagement.  ]]> 2016-09-18 16:38:29 UTC https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124573165 FromFifthToInfinity https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124575447 The authors of the text suggest that creating student-friendly objectives is the key to framing a topic in a way that is appealing and attention-grabbing. Topics should be age-appropriate, of relative interest to the student, and consist of coherent parts. The video below provides teachers with steps that we can use to appropriately and adequately frame a lesson topic. ]]> 2016-09-18 17:12:50 UTC https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124575447 FromFifthToInfinity https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124576718 Blogger Bill Ferriter highlights some important factors to consider when formulating and presenting desired learning outcomes. I enjoyed reading this blog post because it brings our focus back to what should always be at the forefront of our instructional purpose: student-centered learning. When students understand what it is that they should know at the end of a particular lesson or class period, it allows them to be more confident and intentional in their acquisition of knowledge.]]> 2016-09-18 17:29:40 UTC https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124576718 FromFifthToInfinity https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124577371 Effective execution of a great lesson goes beyond excellent planning. After assessments are chosen based on the topic and particular student needs, figuring out the best way to carry out a thorough lesson plan requires creativity and innovation on the part of the teacher. This is the portion of the process during which teachers take the main idea of the lesson and boil it down to the details. Think about it as a piece of fish. The bones represent the lesson topic and the way you decide to frame it. The flesh, however, is the meat of the lesson. These are the details that come together to complete the main idea. This is the fun part! In Chapter 3, the authors of the text highlight many ways to incorporate reading and writing assessments into any content area such as previewing passages, brainstorming, and quick writes/extended personal writing. Working within the frame that you have established through the preliminary portions of your planning process is the final step of effective unit planning. Below is a link to one of many web resources that provides lesson ideas, activities and tips for parents, and opportunities for professional development. 

For more information about this website and other great web resources, check out my blog at secondgradesensei.blogspot.com!]]> 2016-09-18 17:39:36 UTC https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124577371 FromFifthToInfinity https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124579755 With all of the different steps and factors that go into lesson planning, it is easy to become overwhelmed and unorganized. Luckily, there are dozens upon dozens of resources out there for teachers looking to bring some order to their lesson planning. While you're working to stay within the frame you've created for your lesson, this helpful organizational tool will assist you in staying on top of your planning process. ]]> 2016-09-18 18:18:07 UTC https://padlet.com/FromFifthToInfinity/xqmcobn58uai/wish/124579755