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📘 1. Start with the Curriculum

At SKOLA, lesson planning starts with the curriculum.

• There are bespoke curricula for:

  • Discoverers (ages 5–9)

  • Explorers (ages 10–12)

  • Leaders (ages 13–17)

Each curriculum is structured by CEFR levels and aligned to a weekly theme.

• Teach slightly above your students’ current level (their 'Zone of Proximal Development' – the next step they can achieve with your help).

• Provide scaffolding (visual aids, sentence starters, peer support) to ensure the challenge remains achievable.

• Reference the curriculum and scheme of work when planning each lesson.

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🎯 2. Core Elements of Every Lesson

Every SKOLA lesson must include:

✅ Lesson Objective

• What will learners be able to do by the end?

• Objectives should match both:

  • Their age (attention span, cognitive development, activity type)

  • Their CEFR level (linguistic complexity)

Example: “By the end of this lesson, I will be able to use prepositions of place in sentences.”

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🏁 Success Criteria

• How will learners and teachers know the objective has been met?

• Write these as "I can..." statements from the learner’s perspective.

Examples:

• "I can describe what a preposition is."

• "I can use a preposition correctly in a sentence."

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📈 Use SMART Objectives

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-bound

Each objective should be clear, realistic for the learners, and measurable within the lesson time.

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🧩 3. The 5 Stages of an Effective SKOLA Lesson

Remember to plan what you and the students will be doing at each stage. 

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1️⃣ Hook – Curiosity & Context

• Catch students’ attention with authentic stimuli (photo, video clip, song, headline) - linked to the theme of the week.

• Connect clearly to the lesson objective.

• Activate background knowledge and motivation.

Journal Use: Learners can jot ideas, keywords, or quick sketches linked to the hook.

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2️⃣ Pre-Test – Check What They Know

• Use Think-Pair-Share, open questions, eliciting techniques.

• Identify prior knowledge and adapt your teaching.

• Capture emergent language for further exploration.

• Journal Use: Learners record ideas, brainstorm vocabulary, or complete a mini diagnostic task.

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3️⃣ Teach (Input) – Model & Explain

• Model language clearly with accurate pronunciation (using phonemic script/stress markers if needed).

• Provide visual aids (timelines, realia, diagrams).

• Use authentic texts where possible.

• Involve all learners using:

  • Random questioning (hands-down)

  • Think-Pair-Share

Journal Use: Learners copy models, note new vocabulary, diagrams, or stick in mini reference sheets.

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❗ Plan for Common Misconceptions

• Predict difficulties (grammar traps, vocabulary confusion, L1 interference).

• Prepare:

  • Clear examples

  • Timelines

  • Physical demonstrations

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❓ Plan your ICQs and CCQs

• ICQs (Instruction Checking Questions): Confirm task instructions.
  e.g., "Are you working alone or in pairs?"

• CCQs (Concept Checking Questions): Confirm understanding of meaning.
  e.g., "Is 'under' on top of the table? (No). Is it below the table? (Yes)."

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4️⃣ Check (Test) – Assess Understanding

• Monitor understanding throughout.

• Methods include:

  • Observation during tasks

  • Targeted questioning

  • Short quizzes/tests (gap-fills, MCQs)

  • Simple self-assessments (smiley face checklist, thumbs up/down)

• Journal Use: Learners can self-assess, complete quick reviews, or write "Today I learnt..." reflections.

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5️⃣ Transfer (Apply) – Real-Life Use

• Let learners apply their new knowledge in meaningful ways:

  • Discoverers: TPR games, songs, simple role plays, drawing and labelling

  • Explorers: Info gap tasks, poster projects, basic surveys, dialogues

  • Leaders: Debates, presentations, writing reviews, realistic role plays.

• Journal Use: Plan projects, draft dialogues, record field trip notes.

• Note: Tasks may sometimes be left unfinished. This is beneficial — the Zeigarnik Effect suggests unfinished tasks enhance memory.

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🔍 4. Additional Best Practice for Lesson Planning

🔡 Modelling Language

• Plan to model both spoken and written English accurately.

• Highlight:

  • Pronunciation (phonemic script, stress patterns)

  • Parts of speech

  • Context of use (formal/informal)

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🔥 Flexibility in Planning

• Stay responsive. Adjust lesson pace based on learners’ progress.

• Plan time for extra practice if needed.

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♿ Differentiation and Inclusivity

• Plan activities suitable for diverse learning needs.

• Provide extension tasks for fast finishers.

• Support students with different backgrounds (e.g., non-Roman scripts, SEN needs).

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🧠 Embedding Assessment and Reflection

• Build in checks for learning throughout.

• Plan for reflection activities, such as reviewing objectives at the end of the lesson.

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🎨 Use of Resources and Classroom Space

• Plan creative use of:

  • Visual resources (whiteboards, flashcards, displays)

  • Physical space (arranging tables, encouraging movement)

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🤝 Promoting a Positive and Inclusive Atmosphere

• Maximise student speaking time.

• Include personalised tasks drawing on students' interests and experiences.

• Vary pace and interaction patterns (pairs, groups, whole class).

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📣 Sharing Objectives with Students

• Make learning objectives explicit:

  • At the start

  • During activities

  • In the reflection stage

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🛠️ 5. Error Correction and Feedback

• Be Positive: Praise effort and communication.

• Mix it Up: Immediate and delayed correction.

• Be Discreet: Use gestures, group feedback, avoid embarrassment.

• Make It Fun: Use games like "error auctions" or peer correction tasks.

• Include Everyone: Notice quieter learners too.

 

✅ In summary:

Plan lessons that are:

• Curriculum-driven

• Learner-centred

• Engaging

• Inclusive

• Flexible

• Assessment-aware.​​​​​​

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