WHAT WORKS IN EDUCATION The George Lucas Educational Foundation
Facebook
Edutopia on Facebook
Twitter
Edutopia on Twitter
Google+
Edutopia on Google+
Pinterest
Edutopia on Pinterest Follow Me on Pinterest

Blogs on Lesson Plans

More Blogs on Lesson PlansRSS
12
Twelve Ideas for Teaching with QR Codes
Andrew MillerDecember 5, 2011
Tags Biology, Classroom Technology, Lesson Plans, Project-Based Learning, Student Engagement, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts, Science, World Language Learning

As mobile learning becomes more and more prevalent, we must find effective ways to leverage mobile tools in the classroom.

Read More
2
Implementation of the ELA Common Core State Standards Across the Country
Virginia Goatley, PhDDecember 2, 2011
Tags Common Core Standards, Curriculum, Lesson Plans, Professional Learning Network (PLN), Teacher Development, All Grades, English Language Arts

Brenda Overturf is a member of the International Reading Association's Board of Directors. You can reach her at boverturf[AT]reading[DOT]org.

This is the final post in a three-part series that examines the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Part one introduced CCSS and provided context for those new to the standards. Part two reviewed the key features that offer opportunities for educators to transform their teaching. In part three, we will take a look at how various states are starting to implement the standards.

Read More
1
Common Core: Seven Opportunities to Transform English Language Arts Curriculum
Virginia Goatley, PhDDecember 1, 2011
Tags Common Core Standards, Curriculum, Lesson Plans, Professional Learning Network (PLN), Teacher Development, All Grades, English Language Arts

Brenda Overturf is a member of the International Reading Association's Board of Directors. You can reach her at boverturf[AT]reading[DOT]org.

This is part two of a three-part series that examines the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Read More
8
A New Instructional Model Keeps At-Risk Kids Engaged
Dr. Kadhir RajagopalNovember 28, 2011
Tags Comprehensive Assessment, Lesson Plans, Performance Assessment, Student Engagement, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), Math

Many teachers have been told that they are to teach from bell to bell. These teachers believe the only real way to teach is to lecture in front of the board for 50 minutes.

Big mistake!

Read More
2
Lesson Planning and the Common Core: A Unit Based on TED.com
Heather Wolpert-GawronNovember 21, 2011
Tags Common Core Standards, Integrated Studies, Lesson Plans, Literacy, Student Engagement, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

I'm currently prepping my classes for another research unit, this one a blend of Memoir, Advocacy, and Speech Writing. After all, never in real life are genres categorized. They blend together; and the Common Core assessments to come recognize the desegregation of writing genres and the need for performance-based assessments.

Read More
2
Opportunities to Learn from Occupy Oakland
Elena AguilarNovember 9, 2011
Tags Achievement Gap, Expeditionary Learning, Lesson Plans, , Teacher Development, Urban Schools, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), All Grades

I am an Oakland resident, an Oakland educator, and the mother of an Oakland public school student. I am committed to transforming our schools and world, and I work hard at maintaining hope and faith that this can be done.

Read More
11
Visual Art as Critical Thinking
Andrew MillerNovember 2, 2011
Tags Arts Education, Lesson Plans, Project-Based Learning, Student Engagement, Chemistry, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), History, Science, Visual Arts

We've heard this story before. The first thing to go in budget cuts is the visual art program or another related art. Proponents of arts education counter with the usual rhetoric on the importance of self-expression and creativity. I, myself, am a product of arts education.

We've heard this story before. The first thing to go in budget cuts is the visual art program or another related art. Proponents of arts education counter with the usual rhetoric on the importance of self-expression and creativity. I, myself, am a product of arts education. Read More

17
Persuasive Writing is a Key Focus in Common Core Standards
Heather Wolpert-GawronNovember 1, 2011
Tags Common Core Standards, Education Reform, Integrated Studies, Lesson Plans, Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

I've been examining the Common Core Standards and the upcoming assessments lately in an attempt to tease apart this huge seismic shift that is about to go down. And while I think it will have its challenges, I have to admit that I like what I'm seeing. For one thing, they prioritize a more accurate alignment of school life versus real life, seeking to blur the lines more than ever.

Read More
2
Pow! How Comics in the Classroom Can Combat Bullying
Suzie BossOctober 3, 2011
Tags Bullying, Curriculum, Lesson Plans, , Teacher Development, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), All Grades

There's nothing funny about bullying, but appealing to students' comic sensibilities might help open discussions about this serious subject. That's the idea behind the Stop Bullying: Speak Up Comic Challenge. During October, students and teachers can join a nationwide dialogue about bullying prevention that will play out through the engaging medium of comic strips.

Read More
2
How to Build a Calendar for Project-Based Learning
Andrew MillerJune 15, 2011
Tags Lesson Plans, Project-Based Learning, Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Teachers want to know what the day-to-day looks like. I know I do. After generating great project ideas, I want to know exactly what my day-to-day looks like. There is a pitfall there. Sometimes we plan the calendar too quickly. When this is done, projects can be unsuccessful. Why? Because not enough time and thought is given to content, skills, and knowledge that are required for students to be successful. When teachers reflect with me on projects that were not as successful, I often hear these comments:

Read More
see more see less