Mini-Lesson
During each workshop each group visits the mini-lesson table for a period of 15 minutes. At this table the teacher introduces a specific concept to be taught. During this year pupils have learnt how to write book fact-files,character descriptions, setting descriptions etc. Usually I pick a topic for 4-6 weeks and we spend the classes focusing on that topic. For example the pupils learnt how to write informal and formal letters to the authors of their books. Here is a sample layout of one of our topics for our mini-lessons:
Topic: Letter Writing
Week 1: Brainstorm letters, discuss letter writing, study the layout of informal letters
Week 2: Revision of layout of informal letters, write a letter to the author of the book
Week 3: Write another informal letter to the author of the book
Week 4: Brainstorm formal letters, why people write formal letters and study the lay
Week 5: Write a formal letter to the author of the book
Week 6: Identify differences between informal & formal letters
Take a look at the photos below to see samples of the letters written.
Topic: Letter Writing
Week 1: Brainstorm letters, discuss letter writing, study the layout of informal letters
Week 2: Revision of layout of informal letters, write a letter to the author of the book
Week 3: Write another informal letter to the author of the book
Week 4: Brainstorm formal letters, why people write formal letters and study the lay
Week 5: Write a formal letter to the author of the book
Week 6: Identify differences between informal & formal letters
Take a look at the photos below to see samples of the letters written.
In previous years, I have also taught specific grammar points. Tasks included capital letter hunts, adjective hunts, simile hunts etc. The mini-lesson as stated above should teach a specific point and should cater towards the learning needs of the class.