InTASC Standard #7 is Planning for Instruction. Through this standard I utilize multiple instructional strategies to better reach a variety of learners, better communicating the lesson to the class as a whole. My lessons are clear and well organized, incorporate multiple intelligences, and are adaptable depending on class advancement.
Organization is key to a planning any lesson. I use binders and a color coded tab system to keep my units in order chronologically and by intelligence. This system helps me stay ahead of the game, and make sure I’m reaching all different learning styles. Being organized also allows me the tools I need to be flexible in planning. If I need to change the order of my lessons based on the progress of the class, I can do so easily, as I have my unit laid out in a clear and concise manner. This also allows me the ability to assess the different intelligences in my classroom, as I am able to see what lessons are more successful with each student.
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All of my lessons are designed to incorporate a variety of learning styles. In my Lord of The Flies unit, the class read a chapter a day (linguistic, intrapersonal), built their own shelters (kinesthetic, spatial, naturalist), discussed themes and characters as a class (interpersonal), created character analysis through graphic organizers (spatial, logical), and wrote essay exams while listening to music (linguistic, musical).
It’s important to plan for each learning style, so no student is left out. It’s hard to find a single lesson that encompasses all learning styles, so I make sure to vary my lessons to teach as many intelligences as possible.
Adaptability is such an important tool for a teacher to possess. Not only is it important to be able to adjust for class progress, but it’s also important to be able to work around different schedules. Many students are involved in competitive extracurricular activities that take them out of class. Though you may have a procedure in place for excused absences, there comes a point where you have to consider how many students are absent, and if it’s worth postponing the unit. In addition to student schedules, there are many instances where activities take place during class-time, interrupting the schedule of the planned unit. Instructional planning allows me to be adaptable when working with unforeseen scheduling challenges.
