Lesson 1.1.2 is titled “Preparing to Communicate,” based on the idea that effective communication doesn’t just happen by chance, it’s the product of thinking and preparing before we speak. When we are getting ready for a big speech, a presentation, or an interview, we commonly spend time thinking about who we’re talking to and how we should talk to them, what we want to achieve from the experience, and what’s the best context for the communication to take place in and through.
However when we think about student interactions with their peers, teachers, administrators, parents, co-workers, bosses, and all the other people students communicate with, and especially the interactions which become ineffective or inappropriate, we quickly realize that students aren’t aware that they should plan for communication experiences, nor do they know how to do so.
The P2A Prepare to Communicate Tool gives students a method of preparation that can be applied to all different kinds of communication experiences. In the lesson, students conduct on Other-Study (an element of the 4 KEYS Research Based Master Strategy) using video clips from the TV show The Apprentice. Using videos as drivers for Other-Study experiences help give students concrete examples of P2A Tools being put into action (or not being put into action as the case is in these clips!). At the end of this lesson students have been introduced to a strategy that can help them communicate in a more effective, efficient, and enjoyable way no matter what context they use it in.
Taking a look at the actual format of the lesson plan itself, there are several things to note that you’ll find in every Foundations lesson plan.
- A cover page: This gives you the essential information for the lesson at your fingertips, including any particular preparation steps you may need to take prior to the lesson (in addition to thoroughly reading through the LP and planning for instruction!) and the materials you’ll need for the lesson.
- A step by step lesson plan in outline format: You’ll notice 3 Primary headings: A) Lesson Overview, B) Web-Based Resources & Support, and C) Lesson Delivery Steps. Within C, you will find four sub-sections: 1)Introduction, 2) Guided Practice, 3) Closure & Assessment, and 4) Extension
- The parts of the lesson that are written in bold-italic font are suggestions for how your instruction and facilitation might sound (Note: You don’t have to read this word for word!!! You are encouraged to use your own classroom expertise and teaching style to make these lessons successful in your specific and unique environment!!!)
At first glance, the lesson plans and materials might seem daunting, but when you break them down into sections and consider the purpose for each, you will find that they give you all you’ll need to plan and teach awesome Foundations lesson!
Tomorrow I’ll highlight Lesson 1.1.3 and will explain the “why” behind some of the activities within the student materials and how slides can be used to enhance Foundations instructions.
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