Kristen Sadaly

Sample Lesson Plans

     In my experience, the most effective lessons are planned with the end in mind. I believe that in order to develop the procedural steps of a lesson, one must first have a clear expectation of the learning objectives each student is expected to meet by the end of the lesson. Once the learning objectives are well-defined, it is necessary to determine the means of formative and summative assessment that will indicate whether or not the objectives have been met. 

 Reading (Grade 5)

      Throughout my student teaching internship I was able to help fifth grade students attain Pennsylvania Standards through the use of trade novels, such as The Landry News by Andrew Clements. The file below is an example of a weekly lesson plan. As part of this plan, I facilitated a small group discussion in which students focused on analyzing literary devices and elements. 

      To effectively teach reading to my fifth grade students, differentiation was essential. Typically, two or three different reading groups were taught at the same time. Each group read a different novel depending on reading and interest levels. However, because Carolynn Reeder's novel Shades of Gray fit in so well with the social studies curriculum, I decided that each member of our class would read the novel. To see how I supported each reader in the understanding of this novel through the use of literature circles and managed two reading groups simultaneously, please view the file to the bottom right.

Writing (Grade 5)

     I have found children's literature to be a wonderful tool in writing instruction. Fifth grade students were able to evaluate and emulate favorite authors by recognizing their purposeful use of descriptive language, focus, organization, and style. In the video below, you can observe my fifth grade students preparing to use Chris Van Allsburgh's Just A Dream to make progress in their own writing goals.

 Inquiry-Based Science (Grade 5)