Creating comprehensive lesson plans and lesson plans can be a time-consuming process for many educators, especially those who teach multiple classes with different subjects. Educators at the Dickinson Independent School District in Texas have found an elegant solution to this challenge by creating stand-alone online teaching “packets” or templates that can be modified to fit any lesson plan, curriculum, or educational environment as the educator sees fit.
“The packets will give teachers everything they need from day one through day five,” says Deanna Williams, the district’s digital learning and instructional materials coordinator. “They can use the course as is or select parts of what’s available a la carte.”
To begin the grouping process, teachers first upload and assign their documents into Schoology, where they are converted into digital materials so they can then be assigned. The now grouped curriculum is divided into days that a teacher can use to plan what they want to teach in a way that best fits their classroom environment.
“I’ve been working primarily with the ELA reading curriculum specialist. She would give me the materials that are used in a planning document,” Williams says. “Now it’s streamlined and she can send a Google Doc and I basically know what she needs. I take her information and create a slide deck from it.”
The packets are customizable. “When teachers use the templates I create, they can modify the text, colors, and wording to better fit the lesson plan they have in mind,” Williams says.
Making teaching easier
The packs show how a curriculum can be condensed and simplified for teachers. While this has obvious benefits for teachers who have been in the role for a long time, it can also be beneficial for those who are just starting out, as it makes the teaching experience more enjoyable.
“One professor went from her original presentation, which I think was 41 slides that she assigned to over 100 students, to just 14 slides,” Williams says. “And that made things a lot easier for her. She was really excited to have refined[her lesson plan].”
While these packages may seem to take away some of the ability for teachers to create lesson plans, Williams explains that after adjusting to the system, many teachers find that the support they have and the time they save are invaluable.
“At first, teachers were a little bit worried,” Williams recalls. “We presented it to them as, ‘Enjoy your Christmas break, and when you come back, here’s your packet.’ So when they came back, it was all done for them. They assign the material, and during a curriculum preview day, we give them the material and let them dig into it. I also give them support and tell them that if they have questions about the technology or don’t feel comfortable with it, I’ll come and support them.”
How packets get students excited about learning
Packets help teachers organize their classes as they see fit, but what about the benefits to students? So far, packets have kept students engaged in what they're learning, Williams says.
“The students were very excited,” he says. “Teachers and coaches tell me that their kids come and ask what tomorrow will be like. They get very excited.”
Repeating the same lesson plans and lessons over and over again can be monotonous for both teachers and students. These packs allow teachers to add more personality to their lessons, giving students more reasons to look forward to each day.
- Schoology
- Canvas
- Questionnaire
- Google package
- Edgenuity
- I'm ready
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