Instructional Minute
October 11, 2022
How do I plan a unit with Amplify ELA (6-8)?
- Read the Unit Overview for information on pedagogical goals, included texts, primary skills students practice, and sensitive content notes you may want to consider as you plan.
- Planning for the Unit offers additional resources to plan content and pacing. The Reading and Writing Assignment charts show the text passages included in each lesson and in each Solo.
- The PD Library is full of resources that will guide you through backward planning for the unit, lesson internalization, and planning with print and digital implementation.
Did you know that Amplify Science has a community of science instructional leaders?
“Hearing perspectives from people all over the country [about leading the implementation of Amplify Science] helped to bring forward ideas for next school year.”
That’s what one member had to say about the Instructional Leaders Community of Practice (ILCP)—an exclusive, no-cost community hosted by UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science.
If you’re a science instructional leader, join today to connect with peers nationwide, share ideas, and gain inspiration for your own implementation journey.
We’re excited to share that each K–5 grade level now has its own designated Google Classroom for Social Studies! These classrooms are your one-stop space to find the materials and resources you’ll need throughout the year.
Google Classroom Links for K-5 Social Studies Materials
Four Corner Activity:
The Four Corners cooperative learning strategy involves posting four different responses or viewpoints in the corners of a room, then asking students to move to the corner that best represents their opinion or choice to a given statement or question. Once in their corner, students discuss and justify their position with their small group before sharing with the class, promoting active participation, movement, and critical thinking.
Jigsaw Cooperative Learning Activity:
The jigsaw strategy is a cooperative learning method where a class is divided into home groups, then into expert groups to become "experts" on a specific section of a text or topic. Students then return to their home groups (now called jigsaw groups) to teach their peers their piece of the puzzle, with each member sharing their expertise to create a complete understanding of the material.
Gallery Walk Cooperative Learning Activity:
A gallery walk is a cooperative learning strategy where small groups of students rotate through stations around the classroom, examining content such as questions, images, or student work, and responding to them collaboratively. Students should record their thinking, either on an individual/group- notes sheet or directly on the gallery piece.
Ensuring Consistency with Daily Instructional Minutes
These guidelines are in place to ensure that all students have access to a guaranteed and viable curriculum—one where every learner receives the essential content and skills needed for success.
Intention to daily instructional minutes supports learning retention, builds routines, and ensures equity across classrooms and schools.
By adhering to the daily instructional minutes, we create:
Consistency – Students know what to expect and can build stronger learning habits.
Equity – Every child has access to the same high-quality learning opportunities.
Progression – Skills and content build in a logical, intentional sequence.
Your commitment to this practice ensures that our students benefit fully from the curriculum we’ve adopted and are better prepared for future success. Thank you for your dedication to maintaining this consistency for all learners.
