Lesson Plan
Brain Power Boost
Students will actively participate in a fun, low-stakes 'quiz' to demonstrate their understanding of a recently taught concept (e.g., addition facts to 10, recognizing sight words, identifying shapes).
This lesson helps students view assessments as opportunities to showcase their learning and build confidence, rather than as stressful evaluations. It's crucial for fostering a positive attitude towards learning and self-assessment.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive review and a fun, confidence-building 'quiz' using visuals.
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Brain Power Boost Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Brain Power Boost Slide Deck, Warm Up Activity: Knowledge Spark!, Quiz: Show What You Know!, Quiz Answer Key, and Cool Down: My Brain Feels....
- Ensure projector/smartboard is set up for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the Quiz: Show What You Know! for each student (optional, can be done orally or on whiteboards).
- Have whiteboards and markers ready if opting for an interactive quiz.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm Up Activity: Knowledge Spark!.
- Use Brain Power Boost Slide Deck Slide 1 to introduce the idea of a 'brain power boost' ā not a scary test, but a chance to show off their amazing knowledge!
- Ask: "Who's ready to show how smart their brain is today?"
Step 2
Concept Review (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Use Brain Power Boost Slide Deck Slides 2-4 to quickly review the key concept chosen for the 'quiz' (e.g., addition facts, sight words, shapes).
- Engage students with interactive questions and prompts during the review.
- Encourage students to share what they remember and ask any quick questions.
Step 3
Show What You Know! (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Introduce the Quiz: Show What You Know! as a 'fun challenge' or 'brain game.'
- Distribute the quiz or explain how they will participate (e.g., write on whiteboards, answer orally).
- Go through each question using Brain Power Boost Slide Deck Slides 5-7, providing clear instructions.
- Emphasize that it's okay to try their best and that mistakes help them learn.
Step 4
Wrap Up & Cool Down (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Briefly review some of the answers, focusing on positive reinforcement and celebrating effort. (Refer to Quiz Answer Key as needed).
- Conclude with the Cool Down: My Brain Feels... activity to allow students to reflect on their learning and feelings.
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Slide Deck
Ready to Boost Your Brain Power?
It's time to show off how much your brain knows!
Welcome students and get them excited for a fun learning session. Explain that today is about boosting their brain power and showing off what they know!
Brain Warm-Up Time!
Let's get our brains ready to go!
Introduce the idea of a 'warm-up' for their brains. This slide connects to the warm-up activity. Explain they'll be doing a quick activity to get their brains ready.
Quick Brain Refresher!
What do you remember about adding numbers?
- What is 3 + 2?
- What is 4 + 4?
- If I have 5 apples and get 3 more, how many do I have?
Transition to a quick review of a recent concept. For this example, let's assume the concept is 'addition facts to 10'. The teacher should verbally prompt students.
More Brain Refresher Fun!
Let's try a few more!
- Show me with your fingers: 6 + 1
- What's a trick for adding 0?
- How does counting help us add?
Continue the review, making it interactive. Ask students to share strategies or examples. The teacher can draw or write on the board.
Time to Show What You Know!
A fun challenge to show how smart you are!
- No worries, just try your best!
- Let's see your amazing brain power!
Introduce the 'Show What You Know' quiz as a fun challenge. Emphasize that it's a chance to shine, not a scary test. Reassure them it's okay to try their best.
Challenge 1!
How many altogether?
šš + ššš = ?
Present the first quiz question. The teacher can read it aloud and give students time to think or write their answer on their worksheet/whiteboard. (Teacher refers to Quiz: Show What You Know! for the exact questions)
Challenge 2!
Count the shapes. How many triangles?
ā²ā²ā²ā āā²
Present the second quiz question. Again, allow time for students to respond. (Teacher refers to Quiz: Show What You Know!)
Challenge 3!
What sight word is this?
T-H-E
Present the third quiz question. (Teacher refers to Quiz: Show What You Know!)
Awesome Job, Brain Boosters!
You did a fantastic job!
Now, let's relax our brains with a quick cool down.
Conclude the 'quiz' part. Praise their efforts and transition to the cool-down. Emphasize that they did a great job just by trying.
Warm Up
Knowledge Spark!
Objective: To activate prior knowledge and get students thinking about what they know in a fun, non-threatening way.
Instructions:
-
"Think of Something You Know Really Well!" (2 minutes)
- Teacher says: "Good morning/afternoon, awesome learners! Today, we're going to boost our brain power. To get started, I want you to think of something you know really well. It could be how to tie your shoes, how to draw a star, a special song, or even how to build with LEGOs!"
- "Close your eyes for a moment and just think about all the steps or all the things you know about it."
-
"Share Your Spark!" (3 minutes)
- Teacher says: "Now, turn to a partner or a small group. I want each of you to share just one thing you know really well. Explain it quickly to your partner!"
- Circulate around the room, listening to student sharing and offering encouragement. "Wow, you know so much about that!"
Discussion Prompts:
- "What was something interesting your partner knew really well?"
- "How did it feel to share something you were good at?"
- "Today, we're going to show off some of the amazing things our classroom brains know!"
Worksheet
Show What You Know! A Fun Challenge!
Name: ________________________
Date: _________________________
Part 1: Addition Power!
-
Count the fruits and add them together!
šš + ššš = ?
Answer: _____________
-
What is 4 + 3 = ?
Answer: _____________
Part 2: Shape Sleuth!
-
Look at the shapes. Circle all the triangles.
ā² ā² ā² ā ā ā²
-
Draw a square.
Part 3: Word Wizard!
-
What sight word is this?
T-H-E
Answer: _____________
-
Write the word
Answer Key
Quiz Answer Key: Show What You Know!
This answer key provides the correct responses for the Quiz: Show What You Know!.
Part 1: Addition Power!
-
Count the fruits and add them together!
šš + ššš = ?
Correct Answer: 5
Thought Process: Students should count the first group of apples (2) and the second group of apples (3), then combine them (2 + 3 = 5).
-
What is 4 + 3 = ?
Correct Answer: 7
Thought Process: Students can use various strategies like counting on from 4 (4... 5, 6, 7) or drawing dots to represent the numbers and counting them all.
Part 2: Shape Sleuth!
-
Look at the shapes. Circle all the triangles.
ā² ā² ā² ā ā ā²
Correct Answer: All four triangles (ā²) should be circled.
Thought Process: Students need to identify shapes with three sides and three corners as triangles and distinguish them from squares (ā ) and circles (ā).
-
Draw a square.
Correct Answer: A drawing of a square (a four-sided shape with equal sides and four right angles).
Thought Process: Students demonstrate their understanding of a square by drawing it. Key features include four straight sides that are the same length and four corners.
Part 3: Word Wizard!
-
What sight word is this?
T-H-E
Correct Answer: The
Thought Process: Students should recognize the common sight word
Cool Down
My Brain Feels...
Objective: Students reflect on their learning experience and how they feel after the brain-boosting challenge.
Instructions:
-
"How Does Your Brain Feel?" (2 minutes)
- Teacher says: "You just gave your brain an amazing workout! How does your brain feel right now? Does it feel strong, tired, excited, or something else?"
- Provide students with a small sticky note or a blank piece of paper.
- "On your paper, draw a picture or write one word that shows how your brain feels after showing off what you know!"
- Encourage them to be honest about their feelings.
-
"Share Your Reflection" (3 minutes)
- "When you are ready, you can come up and quietly stick your drawing/word on our 'Brain Power Wall' (a designated space on the board or wall)."
- Optional: Call on a few students to briefly share why their brain feels that way.
- Teacher concludes: "It's wonderful to see all the different ways our brains feel! Remember, every time we learn and try our best, our brains get stronger! Great job today, Brain Boosters!"