Description

     We've all sat through PD sessions that were less than engaging. It doesn't feel great to be sitting through a session covering content we already know, or that has us sitting and listening for the bulk, rather than actively putting the new content into practice.

     The same goes for our students. Today I'm sharing a quick acronym to help you self-check lessons to get the most bang for your instructional buck. When we are planning content that we know might be a little lengthy or dry for our students, we can make it REAL and hook them in. 

• How can I make this a little more relevant? What's a way we can spin it to be something my students need or are curious about?
• What engagement strategies or highly-engaging activities can I add?
• Are these tasks engaging students in the activity, with the content, or both?
• How can I add a layer of authenticity to our final product?
• Will students have a purpose for remembering this content other than "because 5th grade standards say we need to cover it?" Are we forming lasting pathways for accessing this content beyond the final exam or end of the unit?

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Book: 50 Strategies for Active Teaching by Guillamue, Yopp & Yopp

Podcast Episode: Honest Math Chat Interview: Peg Smith

Math Games: Color 10 from the Math Learning Center (bottom row on this page)

Photo Samples: Relevant Map Skills Activities

Podcast Episode: Authentic Audience Writing Projects for Upper Elementary