Teaching to Learn, Learning to Teach

FIG. 3.2 (Continued)

B. Regular Lesson Pyramid

Try to picture a lesson as a “modified pyramid.” An introductory activity establishes the

context for the lesson. The first or primary activities introduce the major points students

will be learning. Secondary activities introduce supportive information organized in de-

scending order of importance. If a lesson proceeds quickly, they get included. When time

gets tight, these activities can be eliminated from the bottom up. Unlike the inverted pyra-

mid, the summary activity is crucial because it allows students to summarize major points.

Wherever you are in the lesson, at the “2-minute warning” you move to your final activity.

PLANNING 95