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Planning

"​Failing to plan is preparing to fail."

-John Wooden

In the teaching profession, planning is critical in order to maximize student learning. Lesson planning is the first step of developing a great lesson. Lesson planning is a creative process that allows us to:

  • Synthesize our understanding of teaching pedagogy with our knowledge of our learners, the curriculum, and the teaching context.

  • Think deliberately about our choice of lesson objectives, the types of activities that will meet these objectives, the sequence of those activities, the materials needed, how long each activity might take, and how students should be grouped.

    • When designing a lesson, student objectives, activities, and assessments all should align to create a high student learning environment.​

  • Reflect on the links between one activity and the next, the relationship between the current lesson and any past or future lessons, and the correlation between learning activities and assessment practices.

  • Evaluate our own knowledge with regards to the content to be taught.

  • Implement diagnostic, formative and summative assessments that:

    • Informs us where students are at the beginning of a unit (diagnostic)​

    • Informs us on student progress and teacher effectiveness that allow for adjustments to practice if needed (formative)

    • Informs us on the impact of student learning that did or didn't occur which steers our teaching for future lessons and units taught (summative)  

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Through my teaching experiences, I've learned that the process of planning can be approached in a variety of ways. Below are some of the ways I have experimented with:

  • Universal Design

  • Forward Design

  • Central design

  • Backwards Design

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Below are some units and lessons used in my Physical Education classes.

"Mr. Abad is willing to put countless hours into planning age appropriate lessons that helps benefit the diverse students he works with. This planning is evident in his teaching where he is confident on the floor and holds the students to high expectations on a daily basis. His commitment to education will help make his students successful throughout their life.

-Mr. Jon Stogner, Physical Education Teacher, General John J. Stefanik ​Elementary School

"Mr. Abad successfully adapted, modified, and adjusted lessons to fit the needs of all learners including ASD, ELL, and LEP students."

-Mrs. Amanda Theriault, Principal, General John J. Stefanik ​Elementary School

"Teacher candidate planned and implemented specific rules, routines, and expectations throughout lesson plan, specifically the meeting area for instruction. Teacher candidate also understands progressions to make the lesson age appropriate. Alignment of objectives-tasks has been consistent. Works toward assessments that align to objectives and are reinforced with tasks."

-Dr. Steven Groccia, Program Supervisor, Springfield College

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