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Lesson Plan Format

Check out ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre's American Collection website at pbs.org for additional teacher information

Please note: Contact us with your idea before writing the lesson plan!

Keep in mind that lesson plans submitted should have all of the following components:

1.  Overview

Begin the document with a brief one paragraph synopsis of the overall lesson plan.  This abstract should state the following:

  • Title of the work
  • Author of work
  • Whether the lesson lends itself best as an "into, through or beyond" lesson on the work or as a link to other works.  ("Into" lessons introduce the unit; "Through" lessons address the curriculum itself; and "Beyond" lessons are extension activities.)
  • A brief description of the lesson
  • What age, skill and/or grade level is the lesson suitable for

2.  Objectives

State what the lesson objectives are.  Focus on student achievement when stating objectives.  Use words such as:  evaluate, analyze, synthesize, comprehend, show, demonstrate, write, apply, identify, interpret, read, respond, exhibit and recognize.

For Example

  • The students will compare or contrast  the symbolism of the bird in Cather's The Song of the Lark to another bird in literature in a five paragraph essay.
  • Students will create a listing of authors in their region by using library and computer research skills.

3.  Skills Attained

List student skills that are needed for or attained by the successful completion of the lesson.

For Example

  • Develop research skills by investigating traditional bird symbols in literature
  • Organize thoughts and arguments

4.  The Lesson

Include a step by step, thorough, organized outline of the lesson.  To be most helpful to teachers, the lesson should offer a warm-up activity, a motivational "hook" for the students, teacher centered instruction, guided group practice, and independent practice alternatives.

5.  Assessment

Make suggestions for assessment of the product or describe an actual assessment rubric that has proven effective.  Some states are currently issuing with their standards a set of rubrics to use for every type of assessment needed. 

6.  Suggested related works

Recommend other literary works that would either lend themselves well to this lesson or complement the lesson.

7.  Interdisciplinary Links

Discuss possible connections to other content areas.

**How To Submit Your Lesson Plan**

Contribute your AMERICAN COLLECTION lesson plan ideas to this website!

To help us expedite the editing and uploading process, please submit your lesson plan as a PC (i.e., IBM compatible) word processing file in Word, Wordperfect or rich text formats.  Files may be sent electronically via email or postal mail on diskette.

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Lesson Plan Format: Click here to see the format for submission of lessons.