Teaching with Valor A Veteran's Perspective Podcast "Mastering Lesson Prep for Every Level & Recognizing Learning Disabilities"

 Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the show where we celebrate the incredible efforts of educators everywhere. 

I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re going to talk about one of the most important parts of teaching: lesson preparation. 

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been teaching for years, we’ve got tips for elementary, middle, and high school levels. 

And don’t go anywhere because we’ve got a special bonus segment at the end where we’ll answer a common parent question: What are the signs of a learning disability, and what should I do if I suspect my child has one? 

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:07

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the show where we celebrate the incredible efforts of educators everywhere. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re going to talk about one of the most important parts of teaching which is lesson preparation. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been teaching for years, we’ve got tips for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. And don’t go anywhere because we’ve also got a special bonus segment at the end where we’ll answer a common parent question: What are the signs of a learning disability, and what should I do if I suspect my child has one? In our first Segment: We're going to look at Lesson Prep for Elementary School Teachers: Alright, let’s start with the little ones. Where finger paints, storytime, and endless energy reign supreme. Prepping for these classes is like planning a mini-festival every day. So, how do you make it a hit? First you should start with the standards: Make sure your lessons align with state and national standards. Think of it like using Google Maps for your lesson journey. You don’t want to end up in"Lost and Confused" land. Next, you should plan engaging activities: You want to make learning fun with games, hands-on projects, and interactive read-alouds. Remember, if you’re bored, they’re ready for recess. Likewise, you need to create a flexible schedule: Your plan should be more flexible than a yoga instructor. Kids are unpredictable, and sometimes, snack time can turn into an impromptu science lesson about the properties of cheese sticks. Meanwhile, it's important to prepare your materials in advance: Have all your materials ready the night before. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than scrambling for glue sticks while 25 pairs of eyes stare at you in anticipation. And what if your administrator happens to drop by for a snapshot observation. Lastly, it's important to reflect and revise: After the lesson is over, take a moment to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? If you are a new teacher, I recommend journalling your reflections and use this feedback to tweak future lessons. Teaching is like stand-up comedy; you’ve got to adjust based on the crowd’s reaction. I like to call it reading the room! Our elementary teachers, are the rock stars of multitasking. Keep those spirits high and remember: a well-prepped lesson is half the battle. In our second segment: We will discuss Lesson Prep for Middle School Teachers Now, let’s talk about middle school. Ah, middle school where hormones run high, and so do the stakes of engaging lesson plans. Here’s your survival guide: First, you must understand your audience: Middle schoolers are like cats fiercely independent and curious, but sometimes aloof. It's your job to keep them engaged with content that’s relevant to their lives. Furthermore, you need to create interactive and collaborative activities: Incorporate group work and technology. Use apps, online resources, and interactive notebooks. If they’re already glued to their screens, you might as well make it educational! Next, chunk your lessons: Break down lessons into smaller, more manageable chunks. Attention spans are short, so keep it snappy and varied. Subsequently, be sure to give clear objectives and your expectations: Clearly state what you want them to learn and what you expect. Middle schoolers need boundaries and clear instructions to follow. Lastly, do your best to always include humor: Inject humor into your lessons. A good laugh can diffuse tension and make learning more enjoyable. Middle school teachers, you’re the brave warriors navigating the turbulent seas of adolescence. Stay creative, stay patient, and keep those lessons relevant. In segment three: We will look at lesson prep for High School Teachers Finally, let’s talk about high school the final frontier before adulthood. Lesson prep here is all about depth and critical thinking. Let’s break it down: First, you must spend quality time doing advanced planning: In college I learned a phrase that can be applied to lesson preparation which was the term GIGO, which means, garbage in garbage out which is so true in life and lesson prep. High school students need to be challenged. So, plan lessons that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and in-depth analysis. Next, you must incorporate real-world applications: This is the golden ticket! Show how the subject matter applies to real-world situations. This is especially crucial for subjects like math and science, where students often ask,“When will I ever use this?” Similarly, you try to incorporate student-led discussions: One of my favorite ways to do this was through the jigsaw method. When you encourage student-led discussions and debates. It will fosters critical thinking and allow students to explore different perspectives. Consequently, you should use diverse teaching methods: Use a variety of teaching methods lectures, projects, presentations, and technology. I also liked to use the white or black board to illustrate lesson points. My students new if I wrote it on the board it should be written in their notes. To sum it all up, you must provide real time feedback to your students and give them multiple forms of assessment: This is what will separate you from your peers! The best teachers provide regular feedback and use multiple forms of assessments. High schoolers need to know where they stand and how they can improve. High school teachers, you’re shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. Keep pushing them to think critically and creatively. Now, for today special bonus segment. One question teachers often hear from parents is:"What are the signs of a learning disability, and what should I do if I suspect my child has one?" Let’s dive into this important topic. Signs of a Learning Disability First off, let’s talk about the signs you might notice. Learning disabilities can manifest in various ways, but here are some common indicators: Difficulty Reading or Writing: If your child is consistently struggling with reading or writing, despite practicing and putting in effort, it might be a sign. Problems with Math Skills: Issues with understanding numbers, basic calculations, or concepts like time and measurement can indicate a learning disability. Trouble Following Directions or Remembering Information: If your child has a hard time following multi-step instructions or retaining information they've learned, this could be another red flag. Difficulty with Fine Motor Skills: Challenges with tasks like writing, cutting with scissors, or tying shoelaces might suggest a learning disability. Issues with Organization and Staying on Task: Struggling to keep track of assignments, losing things frequently, or difficulty staying focused during activities can be signs as well. So, what should you do if you notice these signs? Here’s a step-by-step approach: Talk to Your Child’s Teacher: Start by having a conversation with your child’s teacher. They spend a lot of time with your child and can provide valuable insights. They might have noticed similar issues in the classroom. Next, Request an Evaluation: Schools can conduct evaluations to determine if your child has a learning disability. Don’t hesitate to ask for one. An early identification can make a big difference. Seek out Professional Help: Consider consulting a psychologist or a specialist in learning disabilities. They can provide a more comprehensive assessment and recommend appropriate interventions. Support Your Child at Home: Create a structured and supportive environment. Use tools and strategies that cater to their learning style. This might include visual aids, checklists, or breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps. And remember, early intervention is key. The sooner you identify and address a learning disability, the better the outcomes for your child. It's important to stay patient and supportive. Your involvement and advocacy can make a significant difference in your child’s educational journey. For those looking for more information, here are some great resources: Learning Disabilities Association of America Understood.org"The Complete Guide to Special Education" by Linda Wilmshurst and Alan Brue That’s all for today’s bonus segment. I hope you found this information helpful. Remember, recognizing the signs of a learning disability and taking action early can greatly benefit your child’s learning experience. Until next time, parents keep supporting your children and when in doubt, ask questions. And as always educators, thank you for your service and keep teaching with valor!