Steppingstone 7: Planning Classroom Units

Integral unit is a portion of a course or program that has a clear thematic focus that:
1. Has internal unity.
2. Has external consistency.
3. Includes pertinent and meaningful aspects of reality that are related to, and may even go
beyond the main disciple focus of the unit.
9 steps in Planning Classroom Units
1. Consider the suitability of a proposed topic.
2. Brainstorm ideas, possibly using a planning chart or web diagram.
3. Formulate your focus (thematic statement, guiding questions and intended learning
outcome).
4. Design, balance and sequence learning activities. Include a motivational introduction
activity and a culminating summative one.
5. Review linkages with state or provincial standards and/or curriculum guides, adding or
revising learning activities accordingly.
6. Plan a schedule.
7. Select your resources.
8. Plan student assessment. Consider what evidence will show that you met your intents.
9. Review the effectiveness of your units.
Determining the Significance and Relevance of a topic.
1. How can the topic advance under standings needed for responsible and responsive
discipleship?
2. How is the topic relevant for your students?
3. Can the topic meet the students learning needs?
Brainstorming Ideas
- Make a web diagram.
- Work out your world view for the topic.
- Consider which aspects of reality are part of the topic and issues.
- Think about your unit focus.
- Key values as a starting point for considering which values to emphasize.
- Type of skills you want the students learn.
- Insert some simple activities.
Thematic Statement describes the overall approach that will frame your units teaching and
learning.
Rationale is a thematic statement that begins by giving a justification.