
Since I've been approached quite bit recently, both at my school site and via Twitter, regarding the Common Core lesson planning process, I thought I'd take a moment to blog about it to give others a starting point.
Unpack the standard and begin with the end in mind.
Following the unpacking process, consider what the endgame is for students. What will they produce? What will they do to show their learning along the way and once the sequence of lessons is complete? Will they be writing arguments? Engaging in a debate? Recording podcasts? Producing a movie or telling some other kind of digital story? The importance of these questions can not be overstated.
Consider the CCSS Shifts, then begin building a series of lessons.
Create opportunities for communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Student listening to his own and other published podcasts from the class. | ![]() Price: FREE Purpose: Record podcasts Download from App Store Download from Google Play Go to the Web Version |
Recognize that the CCSS is student-centered.
Ultimately, the CCSS transition will be easier for some than others. Districts and school sites will establish different mandates, I am sure. Teachers will likely receive conflicting messages, as is generally true in any kind of new implementation. The best advice I have for anyone who is making the transition is to hold fast to your PLN, ask questions, collaborate, and keep what's good for students at the forefront of your decision-making process.
What's your best CCSS lesson planning recommendation? What tools are essential to your CCSS plans? Please comment and share, or continue the conversation on Twitter.