What is a mini lessons for writing

Today we will continue our work on identifying opinions. During the teach component, we are modeling the new skill or providing more practice on a previously learned skill. While we model, students are watching and listening. We might see students participate or ask questions during this component. Depending on the lesson, that is okay.

This could be using whiteboards to write dialogue, practicing fixing spelling errors, or voting on which choice is correct. The practice is often short and only a few minutes long. Last, is the link component. Writing in pen keeps students from agonizing over writing and erasing the same words. Students are provided a blue three-prong plastic folders with several page protectors.

Inside the page protectors they are given an alphabet chart, blends and digraphs, and common rimes chart. I left one blank page protector that gets filled with their writing goals tracker once goals are created. They are also given a very slender bound notebook that we use for planning out our writing. This notebook is thin enough to be kept inside their folder along with any loose leaf writing papers.

This year with social distancing guidelines each student keeps their own folder in their desk. I have a series of three metal bins meant to be flower pots that keep my black, blue, and red writing pens. Having them write in pen saves me from sharpening a ton of pencils each day. Since editing red pens and revising blue pens only happen every few weeks, I prefer to keep the pens out of their desks and on my writing center table.

Unfortunately this year the table is not used except to hold my writing center cards and letter templates as well as my pen selection. This means it is time for them to practice building up their writing stamina. Just as readers need to build up their reading stamina, I feel the same is true for writers. My class seems to do really well with writing the whole time during independent practice, but if you are lucky enough to have a nice long writing block you will want to make sure you build up their practice time.

My mini lessons are usually pretty straightforward presentations. Generally, my lessons follow the same structure:. For our thesis creation example, you can see how this would work. You would show students an example of one and talk about it. I do have some tips for you, though. First, there is an art to the mini lesson. The first time I teach any mini lesson, I usually end up running long.

Take note and adjust for next time. I recommend having students do at least some practice in class immediately after the mini lesson. But in a pinch, if your lesson runs long you can always assign the task as homework or leave it for the next day. I also recommend touching base with each student as they work, if possible. While students work, walk around and look over their shoulders.

Give lots of praise for work well done or concepts mastered. I love my walking feedback. Not only does it help students learn and make corrections in the moment, but it gives me time to make connections with them, too. They end up trading work and giving one another feedback—all without much from me. For this alone, I love mini lessons.

What is a mini lessons for writing

It takes instruction out of my hands and puts it back into the students. I prefer being a facilitator and a coach than a boss. Mini lessons are a must-have in your teaching arsenal! They include a little bit of everything—direct instruction, guided practice, and opportunities for meaningful feedback. Plus, they keep you from talking nonstop for eight hours, which my voice box totally appreciates.

When I discovered mini lessons, many of these issues disappeared! These are the building block skills needed to get to the higher levels of thinking. If your lesson is too elaborate, it will take the entire class time Feel free to grab resources or fall back on more standard ways of teaching. Like what you see? Click to share on Twitter Opens in new window Click to share on Facebook Opens in new window More Click to email a link to a friend Opens in new window Click to print Opens in new window Click to share on Pinterest Opens in new window.

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