backwards design -literacy grade two

[Deborah]

I have to write a backwards design unit literacy /social studies based for grade two. I am having a lot of difficulty. Does anyone know of a unit that I can use as a guide line?

[Boxcar]

What is backwards design? It is hard to keep track of all the different names for things.

[Brit]

I can walk you through it -- I teach grade 2. Backwards design is a REALLY GOOD thing to learn well. Just don't make it too hard on yourself. Look at your curriciulum and decide what it is you really HAVE to get across. I suggest you choose only 1 major concept per 3 lesson (approximately). That gives time to introduce the concept, work with it, and then assess how well the kids have learned it and adjust if need be.

so decide on what it is, exactly, the kids need to know that they don't yet know. What are your goals? Once you've made that decision, you're off to the races. The next step is to figure out your FINAL assessment. Something that helps me is to write up a test, even if I don't plan to use a written test for assessment. When I have written the test, I know what kinds of answers I'm looking for, and that guides my planning.

Once you've got your expectations figured out, I can walk through the rest with you. Let me know.

[hweber]

Brit, this is an excellent description of backwards design. Start with what you want them to know, then go back and design how you will teach it. If you look at it like a map, the knowledge that you want them to have is the destination and the teaching is the way there. Since we don't know what you want to teach, Deborah, it is hard for us to come up with a lesson for you. What indicators or standards are you looking to teach?

[Deborah]

Hi,
I need to come up with Science Backwards design on Structures for Grade two.

[Brit]

same thing as literacy. determine your goals, determine your assessment, then determine how you will reach that point. do you have a curriculum you are working from? even with no other resources, you can develop a good unit if you have your expectations straight.

I am moving into structures grade 2 next month, and have to sit down and do this anyhow. PM me and we can do it together.

*sigh* I can talk the talk....but boy-o, finding time to walk the walk this year is a tough one.

[dsmms]

*sigh* I can talk the talk....but boy-o, finding time to walk the walk this year is a tough one.[/QUOTE]

I feel the same way. I could be so amazing if there were 72 hours in a day ----- and I had stamina for it. :)