Planning and delivering effective lessons is no small task, but Part 1 of our 3-Part whole group lesson—Teaching the Standard—lays a solid foundation for student success. This portion of a 3-part whole group lesson focuses on providing explicit, standards-aligned instruction with the help of:
- Guided lesson plan
- Anchor chart
- Teacher modeling
- Engaging texts
- Incorporated visual aids
Let’s explore how to make the most of this part of the lesson while keeping your standards-aligned instruction approachable and impactful.
Psssttt… if you haven’t read about our Science of Reading-aligned 3-part whole group lesson, check out a high-level overview HERE!
Start Strong: Using the Scripted Lesson Plan
At the Stellar Teacher Collective, we make it easy for you to feel confident in the classroom! Our scripted lesson plans serve as your step-by-step guide, breaking the lesson into clear, manageable phases to help you teach with success and ease. Each lesson uses the following framework:
- Connect
- Teach
- Model
- Guided practice
- Engage
- Closure
Start with the Connect phase to grab your students’ attention and make the learning relevant. Use a story, analogy, or a quick question to spark interest and connect the new skill to prior knowledge. For example, if you’re teaching plot structure, ask students to share their favorite part of a recent story they read and why it stood out. Standards-aligned instruction is only powerful once your students are engaged!
During the Teach phase, dive into the explicit instruction. Follow the script to introduce the concept clearly and concisely. Use an anchor chart as a visual aid to reinforce key ideas and provide a reference point for students throughout the lesson.
Finally, in the Model phase, show students exactly how to apply the skill. Think out loud as you demonstrate the steps, whether you’re analyzing a text, marking key details, or constructing a response. This phase is crucial for setting students up for success when they practice on their own.
Tips for the Connect, Teach, and Model Phases
- Connect: Keep it brief and engaging. Relate the lesson to students’ lives or interests to draw them in.
- Teach: Use clear, student-friendly language. Pause frequently to check for understanding with quick questions or examples.
- Model: Think aloud as you demonstrate. Let students see your process and encourage them to ask questions.
Guided Practice gives students a structured chance to build confidence and strengthen their understanding of the skill. Use 1-2 discussion questions to check their comprehension, and end the lesson with a quick closure to help them connect the new strategy to real-life situations.
Part 1 of the 3-Part Lesson Structure typically takes 20-30 minutes, providing ample time for explicit instruction, modeling, and guided practice. However, it can be easily adjusted or expanded to meet the specific needs of your classroom and ensure all students have a solid understanding of the concept. Flexibility is key to making this phase effective for your learners!
Standards-Aligned Anchor Charts: Your Classroom Companion
Anchor charts are an invaluable tool for helping students visualize and internalize new concepts in standards-aligned instruction.. These visuals give students a point of reference during and after the lesson, supporting both engagement and retention.
When using an anchor chart, make it interactive. Refer to it frequently during your instruction, pointing out key elements as you teach.
Pro Tip: Keep your anchor charts simple and focused to avoid overwhelming students. Use bold headings, key terms, and visuals like diagrams or illustrations to make them clear and accessible. But why start from scratch? We’ve already done the work for you! Join the Stellar Literacy Collective today and gain access to ready-made anchor charts and resources that will save you time and make your lessons even more effective.
Engage with Google Slides and Visual Aids
Accompanying slides are the perfect complement to your lesson. They provide visuals that keep students’ attention while reinforcing key points. Use slides to show examples, pose questions, and guide discussions. These visuals not only help students follow along but also cater to different learning styles.
To make the most of your slides, ask students to interact with them:
- Have them discuss questions in pairs.
- Encourage students to jot down notes as they follow along.
The more interactive your lesson, the more engaged your students will be!
Empower Your Teaching with Standards-Aligned Instruction
Part 1 of the 3-Part Lesson Structure, Teaching the Standard, is your opportunity to set the stage for meaningful learning. By focusing on clear, standards-aligned instruction through guided lesson plans, anchor charts, teacher modeling, and visual aids, you’re equipping your students with the tools they need to succeed. Here’s to empowering your teaching and inspiring your students—one well-structured lesson at a time!
Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. With resources like ready-made anchor charts and engaging Google Slides from the Stellar Literacy Collective, you can save time while delivering impactful lessons that help your students thrive.
Think about your next steps…
- Challenge: Join our FREE Comprehension Rest Challenge! Imagine your students confidently understanding what they read—no more blank stares or guessing games. If that sounds like a dream, it’s time for a reset.
- Check out Episode #224 of the The Stellar Teacher Podcast for key takeaways from the 2024 Reading League Conference, attended by our Curriculum Team! We left inspired and empowered about standards-aligned instruction, and we’re excited to share our aha moments with you!
- 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 standards-aligned framework!
Happy Teaching!
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