Planning and Writing Lesson Plans

Curriculum Goals & standards for desired learning All learning experiences in which children will be involved

DAP Curriculum OK so here we go again … –DAP- Developmentally Appropriate Practice…In other words: Provides for all areas of development: social, emotional, social, physical and cognitive Is age appropriate and builds upon past knowledge

Curriculum Organization Learning experiences planned around… –FACTS – students learn a set of facts about a given topic with skills interspersed, facts are the emphasis –SKILLS- students learn a set of skills with facts interlaced, skills are the emphasis

Lesson Plan The outline for what will be done in the classroom the day you are the head teacher.

Objective: This is what the children will get out of the lesson plan or activity. Ex: The child will observe that apples come in different colors. DO NOT USE THE WORD LEARN!!

Transition: These help keep the child’s attention when moving from activity to activity. Ex: Move to the art table by walking like a monkey!

Benefits to You Knowing what to expect reduces stress Allows you to have the required materials. Following the day in an organized manner is easier and more fun. You feel confident about turning your program over to a substitute Conveys professionalism to parent Provides a sense of accomplishment & well-being

Benefits to Children Children know what to expect Reduces tension thus reducing misbehavior Sense of time and sequence is developed

Benefits to Parents Parents feel more secure when they know something about daily plans. Encourages them to discuss with their child what is going on at school. Helps educate parents on appropriate growth and development activities for their child

No planning? Creates aimlessness and wandering

How to Organize a Lesson Plan

Step 1 Have a daily schedule or time frame established

Daily Schedule Follow the lesson plan format for your employer. Schedule needs to be flexible so children can finish projects and activities. Activities are designed to develop self esteem and positive feelings about learning Planning as a team is best. Delegate plan evenly. Teaching files can be very helpful in planning.

Sample Lesson Plan & Evaluation

Step 2 Choose a theme or topic to teach Monthly Weekly Daily

Selecting a Theme The topic must have factual information available. The topic should be of interest to children There must be opportunities for application in real life There must be adequate resources Theme must be incorporated into all lesson plan activities. Sign up for your theme!

Brainstorm About the Theme

Step 3 Determine Objectives: The overall goals of the lesson plan.

Decide on Objectives Should be based children’s needs Help each child develop to their fullest Age appropriate but challenging Written with professional terminology Teach true and valid concepts Ask…”What do I want to teach?” “How can will I teach it? Sample: Children will….. develop small motors skills By…… manipulating number sets.

Brainstorm About the Theme Ocean

Brainstorm About the Theme Ocean Danger Beach Sport Fish Water

Step 4 Decide on Learning Center Activities Include the following areas –creative arts, science, math, large and small motor, math, language, nutrition, music, dramatic play

Brainstorm Learning Activities Use resources like books, internet, peers, etc….. All Activities must include a visual or manipulative Allow children to learn through their senses. Example: Mr. Sims wanted his preschool class to share in the joy he had while visiting a zoo. He began to describe the animals to the children. As he talked, the children lost interest. They could not understand his descriptions of the various animals. –How could the senses could have been more involved? –What would encourage more interest?

Brainstorm About the Theme Ocean Danger Beach Sport Fish Water Sunscreen Life vest Salty Waves Blue Whales Octopus Starfish Boats Fishing Surfing Sand Seashells Umbrella

Step 5 Plan a specific transitions –Transitions are the key to becoming a successful and organized teacher –Always have a few prepared

Transitions Activities to help children move from one activity to another smoothly. Prevents: –Children wandering –Children running around –Children doing inappropriate things Short, smooth transitions means that more time will be spent in meaningful activities

Good Transitions Should… Help children develop self-control. Be simple, enjoyable. Prepare children for what they are to do next. Motivate appropriate behavior Give warnings Be seconds long

Transition Ideas… –Sing a busy song –Jingle some chimes to signal nap time –Flicker the lights on and off for attention –Play a recording of a drum roll to signal an activity –Marching in a line –Catch a bubble –Who has________ shoes? –Use a puppet to speak –Simon Says –Bag of fun –Magic wand

Step 6 Write your ideas on lesson plan form –Gather all information together in one place… include: theme, objectives, activities, supplies –Attach instructions and visuals of each activity as needed –Prepare any pre-lesson supplies

Step 7 Evaluate the Teaching Experience What went well and what didn’t? How would I do things different next time?