The aim of this lesson is to provide teachers with guidance on how to plan and prepare engaging lessons. The lesson will offer trainee teachers an introduction to the core principles of lesson planning and preparation whilst providing more experienced teachers with a recap of the strategies that will ensure that their time spent on lesson planning results in effective and engaging lessons for all of their students. 

This course is separated into four modules of learning:

Module One: Lesson Aims and Objectives
In this module, we will identify strategies to enable teachers to set focused aims and objectives for each lesson. We will consider how these aims and objectives support the overarching aims of the curriculum and the ways in which individual lessons form part of a scheme of learning. We will discuss the ways in which focused objectives become the driving force for lessons where students are able to make and reflect upon their individual progress and identify strategies to ensure that students are able to access and engage with the objectives we set. 

Module Two: Timings and Structure
In this module, we will explore the ways that teachers are able to use a range of different activities to make sure that students remain engaged throughout a lesson and learn the skills and content required in order to make progress. We will consider the different learning styles and how the use of different activities within a lesson may encourage better learning. We will also highlight the difference between active and passive learning, and how effective planning can encourage students to become more independent learners. 

Module Three: Engaging Activities
In this module, we will consider ways to promote a reading culture outside of school. Primarily, this hinges on parental (or carer) engagement in reading, and approaches needed to encourage engagement of parents and carers. We also consider the barriers that they face so that we can plan accordingly.

Module Four: Assessment and Reflection
In this module, we will highlight the importance of formative assessment for both students and teachers. We will introduce the ways in which assessment can be embedded within a well planned lesson. We will consider what is meant by the use of low-stakes assessment and the ways in which a teacher can plan for this. We will also look at the ways that reflection during and after a lesson can inform future planning.

Study time: 60 mins.