Let’s Lesson Plan Together!

Lesson planning is a breeze with The Autism Helper’s Leveled Daily Curriculums. They are truly a game changer in the classroom. Personally, I’ve found great success with these curriculums within my own classroom, and so many of you have too! Whenever these curriculums are shared, teachers ask about lesson plans and what they look like. This week, I’m planning for a small group using Math Level 1.5. Come along while I lesson plan and see what it looks like!

Gather Your Materials

You don’t need much to get started, but you will need the following:

• Curriculum Map (included in each Leveled Daily Curriculum)
• Lesson Plan Template (included in each Leveled Daily Curriculum)
• Data Sheets (included in each Leveled Daily Curriculum)
• Copy of student work pages for the unit you are on

I personal like my curriculum map directly across from my lesson plan sheet so I can easily reference it. Before you start using Leveled Daily Curriculums, I’d suggest checking out my organization blog and getting a system in place. If you need help knowing how to write IEP goals, what curriculum to purchase, etc, I’ll link a ton of information for you at the end of this blog post.

First Things First

Each unit comes with a pre and post test for students to determine placement and measure growth. Before you start lesson planning, I’m assuming you’ve given the pre-test and we know this level and unit are appropriate for the students.

Use the Curriculum Map

One of the reasons I adore TAH curriculum is for the Curriculum Map. It’s a quick and easy way to see what each unit focuses on. I’m going to lesson plan for a small group using Math level 1.5, unit 1. Our focus is going to be counting quantities between 1-20, and identifying number words for numbers 0-20. Each unit is 20 pages, and I try to complete one page per day for my students when then concept is something we are learning, and is not review.

Raid your Manipulatives

I keep a ton of math manipulatives on hand such as dice, counters, dot markers, stickers and butcher paper. You don’t need to buy things – just use what you have on hand and get creative.

Get Creative

Come up with 3-5 activities students can do to practice the core concepts within the unit. For me, on Unit 1 on Math Level 1.5, I want students to be able to show they can count quantities up to 20 and identify word numbers. Here are some of the activities we’ll add to our lessons to practice these skills (these do not need to be fancy, just practical ways to practice!):

• Roll 1-3 large foam dice, count dots
• Give students a number, then have students add dots with stickers or dot markers to butcher paper to make the quantity given
• Write numbers 0-20 on dot stickers and write the number word on butcher paper and have students peel off the sticker to put on the number word
• Have a grab bag with 20 manipulatives in it, have students reach in and pull out a handful, then count how many

Combine It All For Your Lesson Plans

Now, let’s combine everything for your small group lesson. I’m using the whole class lesson plan template and change it up a bit. Rather than using it for one day for my whole class, I plan a small group for the week. I add the time I’ll meet with them, and the date. Next, I record the students I’ll work with in the group, then add the activity we will do and worksheet page from the curriculum. Once I have the activities, I’ll write them at the bottom and number them so I just have to write out ‘activity __’ to save time. I’ll add the topic covered and the CCSS standard (if you are a curriculum access user, this is given for you!) and identify if any assessments are needed last.

And You’re DONE!

Easy as pie! This method takes no time at all and I’m prepped for my groups within 10 minutes each week. No reinventing the wheel, I use what I have, I use the lesson plan templates given and run with it. Partner this with some boom card or file folder practice if you are looking for extension activities – OR if you are a Curriculum Access User, most of this planning is done for you already! Just use your curriculum map as a guide.

Helpful Links

Using Leveled Daily Curriculum in HomeSchool Settings

Writing IEP goals with Leveled Daily Curriculum

Using Pre and Post Tests

How to Decide What Level to Use

Be sure to check out our Curriculum Access! It’s absolutely amazing and the perfect solution for homeschool curriculum or classrooms looking for accessible, leveled appropriate curriculums to reach a wide variety of learners (writer and non-writer!).  These curriculums will truly change your classroom!