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Fundamental 5 - Formula for Quality Instruction

Fundamental 5 - Formula for Quality Instruction


Fundamental 5

Frame the Lesson:

  • Learning objective in student-friendly language
  • Look at the lesson and translate how you will talk to kids
  • Have a closing question or product with every lesson

Work in the Power Zone:

  • Don’t teach from your desk or podium (60% of HS teachers do)
  • Proximity to students working is vital (70% goal)
  • Increases on-task behavior and retention
  • Posted is as important what we say. Arrange your room to allow movement.

Frequent Small Group Purposeful Talk:

  • Every 10‐15 minutes stop & let kids discuss for 30 to 60 seconds
  • Still must be teacher-driven with 2‐4 students per group
  • Use natural transition points in your lesson
  • Pre-plan your questions or the questions will tend to be low-level type questions

Recognize and Reinforce:

  • Personalize both with each student
  • Success & improvement needs recognition
  • Reinforce all good things & procedures

Write Critically:

  • The least observable trait of the 5
  • Examples: Purposeful note-taking, summary paragraphs, class exit tickets, use as a warm-up to begin class
  • Writing creates retention for every level of student
  • Note-taking templates & how to use them