Chapter 6 - Unit of Study

Chapter 6 – The Instructional Unit

In this chapter the author walks you through how to write a unit of study.  So much of our lesson planning is done in the form of units.  Most text books are organized in units with several chapters devoted to a unit.  Being able to write a unit is essential. 

Part 1: The Introduction (follow the description on pages 217-218)

Your unit of study should include an introduction. The introduction helps focus your instruction so that you are clear on your expectations and what you want the students to learn. Use the following outline to write the introduction.  I have included a sample introduction to help guide your writing.  The textbook will help define and explain any section that is new to you.  

Unit Name

I. Goals of the Unit (State or National Standards)

a. 

b.

c.

II. Summary of the Unit

III. Instructional Objectives (write in performance terms “The students will…”)

[These objectives then become your lessons.  Write one main objective for each lesson here.]

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

Part 2: The Lessons  The lesson plans are the meat and potatoes of the instructional unit.  Most lessons are written in a one-period format, but can span several days.  You can use the lesson plan template on pages 235-236 to help you create the lessons. I have included a sample lesson to help guide your writing. The textbook will help you define and explain any section that is new to you. 

Part 3: Unit Culmination The final lesson to produce is a culminating experience.  This is a project, a video, a fieldtrip, game…that wraps up the unit of study.  It is an activity which brings the unit to a close and encompasses the students learning. Write a lesson plan describing this event.  The lesson plan may need to be modified a bit to fit the activity.