How to Teach Hard Stuff

Assess and then build on prior knowledge. STEp One Assess and then build on prior knowledge. Engage students in chat about the topic; see what they know Give them a little “fact-finding” exercise, like fill in a map to see what they can do; or ask them to write down everything they know about a topic Or, just launch into the lesson and find out what they don’t know, then go back and figure out how to give the students the knowledge they need.

Identify: Gulf of Mexico Mexico Canada Rocky Mts. Mississippi R. Appalachian Mts. Ohio R. Atlantic Ocean Pacific Ocean

But, What if they don’t know anything? It never happens. (Well, it does, but by creating parallel, analogous situations that students can relate to, you can build a base for learning).

Whatcha Gonna Do? Teaching about Suburban Sprawl An Example Whatcha Gonna Do? Teaching about Suburban Sprawl

Step Two MODEL what you want the students to do. It should be a WHOLE (but relatively simple) task. The FIRST time, you do most of the task, but engage their participation. The SECOND time, you do less, but stay present to ensure success Each time afterward, you do less, and students do more.

Whole Class>Small group>Individual As you MODEL, move from whole class activities to small group activities to individual activities.

STEP THREE Provide time and opportunity for practice. Assess as you go, informally, and adjust your instruction (go back and explain if there is confusion) Gradually increase complexity.

STEP Four EXTEND the learning. Play with ideas; Ask, “What if…?” Use what was learned as the prior knowledge for new learning.

Your students are going to feel smart and proud of themselves and YOU. If you do this Your students are going to feel smart and proud of themselves and YOU. Every time you try to teach something new that’s hard, it will get that much easier because the students will BELIEVE in you and themselves.