How do I Graph a Unit for Third Grade?

A successful third grade unit requires careful planning.

Backwards design, based on the book "Understanding by Design" by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, is now the most commonly used method of planning. It is taught widely in teacher education programs across the country. When graphing or creating a unit for third graders, follow Wiggins and McTighe's tip of placing emphasis on deciding what students should know.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of your state's education standards

Instructions

1. Download the list of third grade education standards from your state's department of education website.

2. Create five to 10 learning goals for the unit based on the third grade state standards. Goals are what your students should know or be able to do by the end of the unit.

3. Create assessments. Design the end-of-unit test or project that will allow students to demonstrate that they have learned the goals. Also, design quizzes and other methods of assessment to be used throughout the unit. Periodic assessments will enable you to determine how well students are learning. Modify your lessons as necessary.

4. Design lesson plans and choose content. Based on your stated goals, create lessons that will enable students to succeed on the assessments you made. Choose the reading selections and other resources that will reinforce each lesson.

5. Differentiate the lessons. Take into consideration any special needs the students in your class have. Modify handouts, lessons or tests and/or arrange for accommodations as required by their Individual Education Plans (IEPS).

References

• Authentic Education: What Is Understanding by Design?
• ACSD: Understanding by Design

Resources

• Digital Literacy: Lesson Plan Template
• Federation for Children with Special Needs: Accommodations