Mini-Lesson Modeling

Powerful learning occurs when teachers see best-practice explicit instruction firsthand. It’s one thing to hear about effective reading and writing lessons. It’s a different matter altogether to see a live mini-lesson presented with your own students—but led by a Smekens literacy consultant.

Seeing is believing

What is mini-lesson modeling? When educators are provided with ample training on the value and characteristics of explicit teaching delivered using the gradual release of responsibility, they want to see this type of direct instruction for themselves.

It’s after teachers view the short, step-by-step instruction delivered by a Smekens consultant that they crystallize their own vision for how to lead effective reading and writing mini-lessons.

What is a mini-lesson anyway?

A mini-lesson is a short, narrowly focused lesson that is typically delivered in front of the entire class. While the mini-lesson plays a key role in Tier I instruction for reading and writing, the best-practice principles can also be applied to any content area.

1. Introduction

Announce the specific mini-lesson skill being taught.

2. Instruction

Teach the skill explicitly through modeling, examples, and Think Alouds.

3. Interaction

The whole class works together to apply the skill with the teacher close by to provide support.

4. Closure

Wrap up and identify what you want students to do with the skill on their own.

Benefits of modeling direct, explicit instruction

Whenever you learn something new, it’s helpful to watch someone else do it first. And even if you’re a seasoned pro, watching other experts in action helps to sharpen your own skills.

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Allows teachers to view explicit instruction in action.

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Reveals the gradual release of responsibility – I do, we do, you do.

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Provides teachers with lesson ideas they can replicate later.

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Demonstrates an effective Think Aloud during a four-step mini-lesson.

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Offers post-observation “debriefing” to discuss, ask questions, and plan next steps.

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Highlights the value of best practice explicit instruction that is fun and engaging.

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Re-energizes teachers by providing in-the-trenches support.

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Impacts the entire staff by having rotations of teachers observe lessons.

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Highlights the potential of each student by allowing teachers to observe learning.

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Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional learning.

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Offers job-embedded training and support in the context of your own school.

How to plan on-site mini-lesson modeling

Great things can happen when a plan comes together. Here’s how to prepare for successful on-site modeling of direct, explicit instruction:

Call Smekens to schedule mini-lesson modeling.

After your day of mini-lesson modeling is on the books, your Smekens consultant will reach out to start planning the details.

Connect the consultant to host teachers.

Our consultant will work directly with host teachers to find out what reading or writing skills students need to learn next.

Plan for the maximum impact.

School leaders will plan for a rotation of coverage to allow as many teachers as possible to view lessons and participate in short pre and post-lesson meetings.

What other educators say

“I love it that we can immediately apply what we are learning! We learn it, see it in action, and then see it in one of our own classrooms! There is no doubt of understanding.”

Melissa Jordan

Teacher,
Starr Elementary, Richmond, IN

“I loved seeing this taught to my students at our own school! It helped me brainstorm about how I’ll teach this to my students, and I especially love the props & visuals used to solidify ideas for my students (light bulb, putty).”

Erin Nihill

Teacher,
Ardmore Elementary School, Allison, IL

“I have so many great ideas for mini-lessons. Seeing it modeled was wonderful, and it would be really great to see the whole process with the teacher, small group, and students in centers.”

Michelle Ostendorf

Teacher,
Sixth District Elementary School, Covington, KY

How much does mini-lesson modeling cost?

When a Smekens consultant spends a day at your school leading mini-lesson models, the costs vary according to these variables:

Daily Rate

Most Smekens consultants have a base rate of $2,700 per day. For schools located more than 4 hours from Indianapolis, IN, additional fees may be required to account for travel time.

Travel Expenses

When no air travel is required, the only costs are mileage and possibly overnight lodging. If we’re hopping on a plane, add in tickets, baggage, car rental, parking, and gas.

Materials

For no additional cost, a customized handout will be provided for every consultation. The handout can be distributed to teachers digitally, or it can be printed on your copy machine or ours (for a small fee).