21st Century Cohort

Lesson Plan Components – Short Story Book

The best instructional designs are “backwards,” beginning with the end in mind and
moving through three interrelated stages. As we design instruction, we must begin with
desired results (Stage One); then determine how to assess and evaluate student
progress relative to those results (Stage Two); and only then design and implement
instructional strategies to promote student achievement of desired results (Stage Three).

Desired results must clearly specify what students are expected to know (e.g., facts,
concepts, generalizations, rules, principles, laws); do (e.g., skills, procedures, processes);
and understand (e.g., student behaviors reflecting the six facets of understanding) as a
result of the teaching and learning process.

6 Facets of Understanding:
1. Explanation
2. Interpretation
3. Application
4. Perspective
5. Empathy
6. Self Knowledge
Lesson plan… writing a short story with illustrations

Stage One – Begin with Desired Results:

What do you want students to know, be able to do, and understand?
What are your learning targets?

Learning Target One - I can identify the elements of a short story.

Learning Target Two - I can write my own short story.
Learning Target Three – I can include dialogue in my short story.
Learning Target Four – I can illustrate my short story with pictures.
Stage Two – Assess and Evaluate Assessment Evidence:
How will you know they have accomplished the learning targets?
(performance task / quizzes / observations / homework / journals / projects / writings / speeches / etc)
Which strategies will provide evidence of student learning?

Assessment Evidence One – Students will brainstorm for ideas for their short story.

Assessment Evidence Two - Students write a rough draft of their short story
including dialogue.

Assessment Evidence Three – Students will revise and edit their short story.

Assessment Evidence Four- Students will create a short story book to include
pictures to illustrate their story.

Stage Three – Design and Implement Learning Plan:

What instructional strategies will you use to help students achieve the learning targets?
Which instructional strategies will help students acquire and integrate learning?
Which instructional strategies will help students practice, review and apply learning?
Which strategies help students practice and improve their 21st century skills?

Learning Plan:
1. Students will use a graphic organizer to help organize their ideas for their short
story.

2. Students will compose a short story.

3. Students will help peer edit and revise short stories.

4. Students will write their final copy of their short story.

5. Students will create a book for their short story including illustrations