3-Part Whole Group Lesson: Teach, Apply, Extend!

Creating engaging, effective, and Science of Reading-aligned lessons can feel overwhelming, but a thoughtfully designed 3-part whole group lesson can be a game-changer! This framework seamlessly combines targeted teaching, application opportunities, and enrichment activities to support student learning and teacher success. 

Let’s dive into how each part of this structure—Teaching the Standard, Text Application, and Additional Practice Opportunities—works together to foster deeper understanding and differentiated instruction while aligning with the Science of Reading.

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Whole Group Lesson Part 1: Teaching the Standard

The first part of the whole group lesson focuses on direct instruction of a standards-aligned objective. In the Stellar Literacy Collective, our 3-part whole group lesson includes scripted lesson plans, anchor charts, and engaging Google Slides! We want teachers to have the tools they need to confidently introduce and model the targeted skill or strategy.

This section emphasizes clarity and builds foundational knowledge by incorporating best practices such as modeling, guided practice, and opportunities for students to engage with the content.

For example, a lesson on identifying the main idea would include reading the text, identifying the topic, searching for the main idea, and locating key details.

• Our pre-made anchor chart provides visual support to scaffold learning.
• An included exit ticket allows for quick formative assessment.

The first part of the 3-part whole group lesson focuses on explicit instruction mirrors the principles of the Science of Reading, emphasizing structured, clear, and direct teaching that ensures students grasp the core concept.

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Whole Group Lesson Part 2: Text Application

In this part of the whole group lesson, students deepen comprehension by applying skills to a carefully chosen text. They begin by building background knowledge and exploring key vocabulary, creating a strong foundation for understanding. 

During reading, strategies like text marking and guided questions help students analyze sentence structure (syntax) and text structure, enhancing their grasp of how language and organization convey meaning.

Students then consolidate their learning through writing about reading, articulating their understanding, and connecting ideas. Integrating background knowledge, vocabulary, syntax, text structure, and writing ensures a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to literacy development.

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Whole Group Lesson Part 3: Additional Practice Opportunities

Part 3 in this whole group lesson structure is optional but highly valuable for extending learning and catering to diverse needs. It offers opportunities for:

• fluency practice with connected texts
• higher-order thinking activities
• paragraph writing
• graphic organizers

These activities allow students to explore the concept more deeply or revisit it at their own pace.

This section is particularly beneficial for differentiation. Advanced learners can tackle higher-level questions or work on related texts, while students who need more support can focus on fluency or guided writing activities.  By offering various options, Part 3 ensures that every student can engage with the material in a way that meets their individual needs.

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Alignment with the Science of Reading

The 3-part whole group lesson is grounded in the Science of Reading, which emphasizes evidence-based strategies for literacy development. 

• Part 1 builds the foundation through explicit instruction
• Part 2 reinforces learning through text-based practice 
• Part 3 offers the flexibility to meet diverse learning styles and needs

Together, these components create a comprehensive, research-aligned approach to teaching reading.

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Why This Structure Works

This whole group lesson framework doesn’t just teach standards—it makes learning accessible, meaningful, and engaging for all students. Breaking the whole group lesson into manageable parts empowers you to deliver effective instruction while addressing the diverse needs of your classroom. Whether introducing a new concept, reinforcing a skill, or extending learning, this 3-part structure ensures every student has the tools they need to succeed.

So, the next time you plan a lesson, consider using this framework to guide your approach. It will simplify your planning and give your students a rich, well-rounded literacy experience that fosters both skill mastery and a love for reading!

Think about your next steps…

1. Challenge: Join our FREE Comprehension Rest Challenge! Learn more about Part 2 in this 3-part lesson structure! And watch your student’s comprehension click into place. 
2. Check out  Episode #222 of the The Stellar Teacher Podcast to learn more about how to incorporate writing about reading into your lessons to boost students’ understanding and retention!
3. Join us inside The Stellar Literacy Collective, where you will get access to a resource library filled with reading and writing resources that will help support you and your students get the most out of your literacy block – including 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Whole Group Lessons that follow this 3-part lesson structure. 

Happy Teaching!