Lesson Planning and UBDs

Lesson planning strategies

I plan my lessons and units using data from assessments completed both inside and outside the classroom. My teaching follows a structured format with an emphasis on developing the language of the student. My lessons are broken down into six key components: Anticipatory set, objective, vocabulary, direct instruction, guided practice, independent practice, and closure. You can view these components in more detail here.

Language learning consists of navigating two different language components: BICS and CALP. My work with the students helps them develop these languages through means of communication and scaffolding lesson content.

BICS (Basic Interperson Communication Skills)

  • Involves using language for social, face-to-face and every day situations.
  • Highly contextualized and provides lots of clues for comprehension.
  • Takes 0-2 years to acquire

Examples:

  • Hi, how’s it going?
  • Can I have a bathroom pass?
  • Want to be my partner?

CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency)

  • Involves language skills and functions of an academic or cognitive nature.
  • Language needed to accomplish academic tasks.
  • Takes about 7-10 years to acquire.

Examples:

  • During Civil War times, most businessmen in the north made profits from industry.
  • The sum of the squares of the legs of a right triangle is equal to the square of the hypotenuse.
  • Can you explain the second phase of meiosis?

My time with the students is more focused on the CALP to help improve their academic language abilities.