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The Lesson Plan

Heather LaMore
Education Department, Grand Canyon University
EAD-520: Strengthening Curricular Programs to Promote Continuous School Improvement
Chris Wood
May 7, 2023
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The Lesson Plan

A well-developed and engaging lesson plan is one of the most important pieces to
maintaining an effective learning environment and keep the class on track for academic
success. Shen et al. (2007) refer to the development of lesson plans as an “often-overlooked
source of professional growth” (The Importance of Lesson Planning, para. 3). For this review,
Figure 1 shows an example of an elementary math lesson plan.
Part A: Lesson Plan Review
Scaffolding and Differentiation
There is evidence of scaffolding throughout this lesson plan. As they move through the
lesson, new concepts are added to build upon prior knowledge. For example, after they have
done some physical regrouping utilizing the base-ten blocks, the vocabulary word of regrouping
is specifically added and defined. In addition, this skill builds upon their prior knowledge of
adding two single digit numbers.
There is an explicit plan for differentiation throughout the lesson as well. At each stage,
there is a description of the procedure for beginning learners and intermediate, and near the
end, there are suggestions for enrichment for advanced students and support for struggling
students. The differentiation options are very well done.
Alignment and Materials
The lesson plan details the activities and procedures for the lesson and contains a
detailed materials list. It is helpful that the materials list notes the quantities needed per
student so that the teacher can see at a glance what items to prepare ahead of time.
The topic is appropriate for the intended age group of first or second grade students.
However, the standards to which it aligns are not specifically listed.
Learning and Instructional Strategies
Learning and instructional strategies are varied to accommodate a variety of learning
strategies. The use of manipulatives makes the topic more concrete and verbal and written
instruction are evident for auditory and visual learners.
There could be more creative implementation utilized. This is a largely traditional lesson
that is presented similarly to how lessons have been conducted for years.
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Technology
There is no evidence of technology being included in the implementation of this lesson.
Students use paper, pencil, and physical manipulatives like base-ten blocks. The use of
technology could increase student engagement, particularly for the introduction to grab
student attention.
Informal and Formal Assessment
Throughout the lesson, there are opportunities for informal assessment. The teacher
circulates and notes that during independent work time, students requiring additional support
will work in small groups with the teacher as well.
Formal assessment is done with both the review of the class worksheet of practice
problems, and an exit ticket. At the end of the lesson, students use an index card to solve a
single problem so the teacher can review and gauge the initial effectiveness of the lesson. A
single problem will not assess mastery of the topic. However, it could provide a small piece of
insight into initial understanding at a glance.
Part B: Coaching the Teacher
Reinforcement
Though very traditional, the lesson is well planned and does an excellent job of
providing differentiation options to meet the needs of all learners. Those that need a bit of a
challenge are lifted up, and those that are struggling have opportunities to receive additional
supports. The use of physical manipulatives will be great for students to have a visual and
concrete experience with what regrouping really means.
Refinement
The lesson is notably lacking in two areas. There are no standards listed on the lesson
plan and there is no evidence of technology integration. While it is an appropriate topic for first
and/or second graders as noted, the addressed standards must be listed on the lesson plan to
assure it is aligned with the curriculum.
The use of technology is important. It can increase student engagement and offer less
traditional tools for practice and assessment. The use of a paper and pencil worksheet is
certainly appropriate from time to time. In this case, it allows students to practice writing their
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numbers in addition to the new skill. Instead of using the index card for assessment, I would
suggest uploading a survey link to the virtual classroom for students to fill in their response.
Strategy
A useful strategy for lesson planning is called backwards planning. “Backwards planning
calls for educators to begin with a nominal list of essential questions all students must answer
by the end of the unit” (Jones et al., 2009, p. 357). This strategy could be helpful when thinking
of how to effectively integrate the use of technology to the lesson. What are the objectives of
the lesson and how can technology be used to enhance the lesson and get students to meet
those objectives? Model Teaching (2019) notes that a habit of effective people is beginning
with the end in mind. Backwards design certainly fits with that strategy and is worthy of
exploration for lesson planning.
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Figure 1
Example lesson plan (Education.com, 2023)
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References
Education.com. (2023). Adding it all up. Education.com. https://www.education.com/lesson-
plan/adding-it-all-up/
Jones, K.A., Vermette, P.J., & Jones, J.L. (2009). An Integration of "Backwards Planning" Unit
Design with the "Two-Step" Lesson Planning Framework. Education 3-13, 130, 357.
Model Teaching. (2019). Backwards Design in Lesson Planning. Model Teaching.
https://www.modelteaching.com/education-articles/lesson-curriculum-planning/
backwards-design-in-lesson-planning
Shen, J., Poppink, S., Cui, Y., & Fan, G. (2007). Lesson planning: A practice of professional
responsibility and development. Educational horizons, 85(4), 248-258.