Lesson Planning
Dear Teacher,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with enthusiasm for the incredible work you do every day. I know we are approaching the end of the year, and I want to share techniques to help us work smarter as we prepare for next year. As teachers, we often find ourselves juggling numerous responsibilities and facing the challenge of creating engaging lessons while being asked to do the impossible. That's why I wanted to share something that I created that has truly transformed my teaching experience—the SKS Model.
Picture this: lesson planning that's streamlined, efficient, and focused on what truly matters. The SKS Model, which stands for Skill, Knowledge, and Strategy, has been a game-changer for me, and I believe it can revolutionize your teaching journey too.
Imagine spending less time standing at the copy machine or searching for activities that aren't at the appropriate grade level and you can’t even print in color. Instead, you'll have the opportunity to focus on what really counts—making lessons fun and meaningful for your students.
Let's break it down together:
The "S" in SKS represents Skill. By identifying the grade-level thinking required by the standards, you can lay a solid foundation for your lessons. It's about nurturing your students' abilities in analyzing, evaluating, and creating. This ensures they are appropriately challenged and engaged in higher-order thinking tasks.
Moving on to the "K" in SKS, which stands for Knowledge. It's all about identifying the key content concepts required by the standards. By zeroing in on these essential components, you can prioritize the information your students need to grasp. This alignment with grade-level expectations ensures your lessons are relevant and effective.
Now comes the exciting part—Strategy. This "S" represents observable assessment of thinking, such as graphic organizers. Incorporating the strategy is where the magic happens. It enables you to support your students' understanding and application of the skill and knowledge. Say goodbye to time-consuming searches for activities that might not fit your grade level; instead, focus on developing purposeful, intentional learning experiences tailored to your students' needs.
By implementing the SKS Model, you'll experience a host of benefits. First and foremost, it reduces your cognitive load by providing a clear framework for lesson planning. Say goodbye to feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary details, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters.
Are you ready to try it? Get your customized lesson plan HERE.
With more time on your hands, you'll have the opportunity to unleash your creativity and make lessons truly come alive. No more endless hours at the copy machine or scouring the internet for activities. Instead, you can invest your valuable time and energy into creating engaging, interactive lessons that ignite your students' curiosity and make learning enjoyable.
Aligning your lessons with grade-level thinking and core knowledge ensures that your instruction is targeted and relevant. Your students will benefit from a deeper understanding of the content, fostering their academic growth.
Furthermore, the SKS Model empowers you to personalize your instruction. By incorporating strategies, you can differentiate your lessons, catering to diverse learning styles and abilities. This personalized approach creates an inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
So, my dear colleague, let's embrace the power of the SKS Model together. Let's work smarter, not harder, and create memorable learning experiences that leave a lasting impact on our students' education. Let's reclaim our time, energize our teaching, and bring back the joy of making a difference in the lives of those we educate.
Here's to the incredible journey ahead, filled with innovation, creativity, and a renewed passion for teaching. Together, let's transform our classrooms and empower our students to reach their full potential.
Grab the Free Handout here!
With warm regards,
Nicole Teyechea, PhD
A Finita Teacher on a Mission to Work Smarter and Make Lessons Fun Again
