Thank you for leaning in and listening to episode 14 of CALM Conversations about Learning!

This episode wraps up the Lesson pillar and discusses the magic that happens when we bridge intention and impact and shares some ways to approach effective lesson-planning. 

Conversation Points: 

• An effective lesson is driven by Intention and Impact. 
• Structure + Engagement = IMPACT
• Some basic journalistic questions for the Lesson include... 
  • WHO (Who is the Child--not just academically but personally and socially?)
  • WHAT (What skills or knowledge is being taught?)
  • WHY (Why does the Child need to learn the content of this lesson?)
  • HOW (How will the lesson be taught?)

• There are a few questions to ask when considering the WHY:
  • How will the learning goals or objectives in this lesson serve my child or students in their current and future educational endeavors?
  • In what ways will this lesson improve or challenge my child’s or student’s existing skills, knowledge and interests? 
  • How will my child or students use these skills or this knowledge in their personal, career or civic lives? 
• You won’t always get it right-- and that is okay. What matters is the child’s learning and your willingness to pivot and revise!

• If you practice being genuine, compassionate, respectful and interested in who children are, they’ll forgive you the occasional flat lesson. 

CALM-Keeper Ideas

• #1: Create a “Getting to Know You” Questionnaire and or have your child/ students write a Letter of Introduction. Then study what they’ve written, making note of what’s relevant for building healthy relationships and planning effective and even powerful lessons.
• #2: Use the WHY questions as a Checklist for the effectiveness of your lesson (even if you didn’t produce it yourself...especially if you didn’t produce it yourself!)
• #3: Use backward design when lesson-planning  and don’t just stop with the Learning Goals. Plan all the way back to the relationship and ask, “What do I know about the Child?”

Visionary Homework:
Create a questionnaire or letter of introduction prompt; try backward design with the child  in mind!  

If you’d like a sample of my “Getting to Know You” questionnaire or prompt for the letter of introduction, DM me on the INSTAGRAM @zenani116!

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The Proof:

1. Fires in the Bathroom: Advice for Teachers from High School Students by Kathleen Cushman and the students of WHAT KIDS CAN DO, INC.

Editing by Devonne Williams 

Music by Cipriana Bethea