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Planning a Unit of Instruction
Teaching Pre K - 8;
Norwalk; Aug/Sep 2001;
Joyce Gallagher;
Abstract:
Gallagher presents a simple 12-step approach that will keep teachers organized all year long and enrich their lessons. The
steps include selecting a topic, establishing a purpose, and writing unit goals.
Full Text:
Copyright Early Years, Inc. Aug/Sep 2001
[Headnote]
This simple 12-step approach will keep you - whether you're an experienced or new teacher - organized all year long and
add sparkle to your lessons
Planning a unit of instruction can, at times, be an overwhelming task. Make life a little easier on yourself with this simple 12-step approach
that is not only logical, but it will keep you - and your unit organized. I've also seen terrific results when I've presented these steps to new
teachers who are learning how to develop curriculum that includes all of the essential lessons, activities and evaluations.
Here's how to get started:
Select a Topic. Choose one that isn't too broad. These questions can help you make your decision:
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What must I teach to fulfill state, district and local standards?
- What do students at my grade already know? What do they need to know?
- What are my students' interests?
- What materials do I have that need to be organized into a unit?
- What unit topics will be accepted or might be rejected by the school community?
Establish a Purpose. Ask yourself why are you teaching this particular unit. What do you want it to provide for your students? Your
answer should always be something more than, "I'm required to teach this." Prior to beginning your unit, decide what your answer will be
when a student asks, "Why do we have to learn this stuff?" Consider an answer that tells them that knowing this "stuff" will:
- Give you background for something else that you will learn later.
- Give you the opportunity to explore something you have not learned before.
- Give you important skills that you need in life:
*communication and language skills
*citizenship skills
*survival skills (filling out applications, reading contracts, making wise purchases)
*decision-making, problem-solving and thinking skills
*physical skills
*social skills such as: cooperation, compromise, getting along)
Decide How Much Time to Spend on the Unit. In a nine-month school year, there are roughly 36 weeks. Make a list of the unit topics to
be covered in that time. Include the new one which you will prepare. How many days or weeks can be devoted to each unit?
Consider Your Materials and Resources. What's available for teaching this topic? What do you have in your room? What might you
borrow from other teachers? How will libraries help? What can you.get from the Internet? Are there free materials available? What people
(parents, community members, other teachers) might visit and contribute to a discussion with your class?
Decide What Skills Will Be Taught or Emphasized. In a content unit, include skills appro5 priate to that content. A citizenship unit might
include the skill of using a voting machine. Many units include writing, language and reading skills. Check what skills should be covered at
any given grade level by looking at curriculum guides, grade level and content objectives, state performance standards, end of chapter
objectives and teacher's manuals.
Decide What Vocabulary to Include. What new words will be introduced? What old words will be reviewed? What will students do with
the words (learn spelling and definitions, use in writing and speaking)? How will you teach vocabulary? Review the words in class, talk
about them and plan fun ways for students to practice with vocabulary games and team competitions.
Write Your Unit Goals. Goals answer the question, "What do I want students to know by the end of this unit?" Brainstorm a list of
everything that you want the students to gain during this unit. Group the items and organize them in the order they will be taught. Use this
list to write goals. For example: By the end of this unit, students will define the following vocabulary words. By the end of this unit, students
will locate each of the 10 countries studied on its appropriate continent.
Determine Your Lesson Objectives. Based on the unit goals, decide how many lessons will cover the unit and write a specific objective for
each lesson.
Plan a Unit Introduction. This should be motivating and grab your students' interest. There are a hundred more exciting ways to begin a
new unit than to say, "We're beginning a new unit today. Open your books to page..."
Create Lesson Plans to Fit Lesson Objectives. Consider level abilities of students. Include variety to meet multiple intelligences and right
brain/left brain preferences. Give special attention to planning lesson discussions and choosing worksheets and activities that are both
appropriate and motivating.
Plan a Culminating Lesson or Activity. This is a great way to wrap up the unit and bring the learning together. If the final activity is a test
review, use a fun way to review, such as a game. A "Jeopardy!" game is always a good choice. Do individual or group projects. Put on a
program for other classes or for parents.
Prepare a Unit Evaluation. Use scoring guides to evaluate student projects, written and oral reports, group work and students' journals. A
portfolio of work done during the unit might be part of the final evaluation.
When the unit is finished, I've found that storing it in a looseleaf binder works best - this way it can be altered as needs change and
different resources become available. I hope this approach will help you to keep organized good luck and enjoy the new school year!
INTERNET CONNECTIONS
TOPIC: UNIT PLANNING
1 ABC TEACH: www.abcteach.com Extensive collection of free printables, including shape books, puzzles and research cards for theme
reports. Month to Month Activities with holiday themes and thematic units. Thematic units for the elementary grades, with printables.
2 SURFING THE NET WITH KIDS: www.surfnetkids.com Web resources categorized by topic. Many of the themes are related to
calendar events. Free newsletter about new topics, with reviews of new web resources.
3 EDUCATION WORLD - NATIONAL STANDARDS: www.educationworld.com/standards/national/index.shtml Searchable
database of national and state standards. Categorized by content level and divided into K4, 5-8 and 9-12.
[Author note]
Joyce Gallagher is an Adjunct Faculty member at Webster University in Kansas City, MO. She teaches a graduate course in
Curriculum Design.
Volume: 32
Issue: 1
Start Page:88-89
ISSN: 08914508
Subject Terms: Lesson plans
Objectives
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