About This Lesson
Teaching has often been called a work of art because of everything that goes into it. you cannot just sit down and start talking, expecting students to learn. Some classes are harder than others to organize and put together because of the subject matter. Math is one of those subjects. If you are struggling to make a lesson plan for your math class, here is a simple outline to follow.
Prepare
Whether you are having a full review day or still plan to teach a new lesson, you need to make sure you are prepared before you begin. Get the supplies you’ll need on hand before class starts. That may mean the night before or for some people the hour before. Whatever suits you best, as long as you know what you are doing ahead of your class. Going into class without a certain schedule for the hour or not knowing what you are doing will only waste both you and your students' time.
Opening
When you begin class, give your students a rough outline of what the class hour is going to be like. This allows them to think about what’s happening and know what’s coming. Have them get the tools and supplies out that they will need so that everyone is ready to begin. If you need to address any issues or concerns, the beginning is one of the best times to do it as well.
Games
One of the best ways to get all your students involved in class is to play games. They are a great way to ensure your kids are still learning, but you are showing them how it can be fun as well. You can play team games where your students are against each other, or you could have your students play some by themselves. Games can be also used as an incentive once students get their work done neatly and correctly. You could allow them to play things like snake or other single-player games.
Review
No class time should go without review. While you may include some of it in your game time, you should set a specific time strictly for review. Especially if you are in the process of introducing new concepts and information. This ensures your students are being reminded of what they need to know, lessening the chance they forget everything you’ve taught them. Sometimes you’ll need to go back further in your past lessons if you need to remember something that pertains to the present day’s lesson.
Lesson
The most important part of your class hour is teaching the lesson. While your lesson plans may say one thing, if your students are struggling with something don’t be afraid to take the time to go back over it. You can alter the future, but you can’t change the past. Don’t allow your games and review time to overshadow the true reason for math class. Give your lesson the thought it deserves and teach it in a way that’s fun, but meaningful.
Questions
While your students are probably asking questions throughout the whole class time, it can waste a lot of time. The best way to handle this situation is to set some part of your class devoted to questions. Whether they are about the lesson or homework, give your students an opportunity to ask things in class without taking up time. If someone has a question that wasn’t answered, let them know when you’ll be free so they can come to you and get help.
Closing
As you wrap up your class time, take the opportunity to go over any final announcements or instructions you have for your students. Kids will often remember the last things said to them, so it’s important to say the things you want them to hear and remember. Don’t push your students out the door either. Let them know you, as their teacher, care for them and are doing all that you can to ensure they learn the best way possible.
While many students hate math, you, as their teacher, can make the difference in if your students learn or not. Be that teacher everyone talks about as being fun, but gets the job done.
