Mini-Lesson Structure Template

Create a structured mini-lesson for my workshop-based classroom.

Subject: ${{SUBJECT}}
Skill/Strategy Focus: ${{SKILL_OR_STRATEGY}}
Grade Level: ${{GRADE_LEVEL}}
Mini-Lesson Duration: ${{MINUTES_USUALLY_10_15}}
Connection to Larger Unit: ${{UNIT_CONTEXT}}
Student Background: ${{WHAT_STUDENTS_ALREADY_KNOW}}

Design a mini-lesson with:

**CONNECTION (1-2 minutes)**
- Link to previous learning
- Explicit statement of how today connects
- Script for teacher language

**TEACHING POINT (1 minute)**
- Clear, concise statement of what students will learn
- Posted anchor chart language
- Kid-friendly wording

**DEMONSTRATION/MODELING (4-6 minutes)**
Option A: Teacher Think-Aloud
- Text or example to use
- Scripted think-aloud showing the strategy
- Explicit naming of the moves

Option B: Mentor Text Analysis
- Mentor text selection
- What to notice and name
- How to annotate or mark up

Option C: Shared Practice
- Example to work through together
- Questions to guide discovery
- Student contribution points

**ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT (2-3 minutes)**
- Quick practice opportunity
- Turn and talk prompt
- Try it with partner activity
- Check for understanding moment

**LINK (1 minute)**
- Restate the teaching point
- Explain when/how to use this
- Send students off with clear expectations

**ANCHOR CHART**
- Visual representation of the lesson
- Student-friendly language
- Icons or images to include

**FOLLOW-UP**
- How to confer with students using this skill
- Common struggles to watch for
- Share time prompts for end of workshop