Structure of an Effective Mini-Lesson
A mini lesson provides direct, explicit instruction for one specific teaching point. The teacher engages students in strategy with a demonstration and modeling of skill using a think aloud. The structure of an effective mini lesson is as follows:
1. Connect lesson with lesson from the day before stating what will be learned and setting the purpose for today's reading work
2. Teach the new strategy using a mentor text and modeling with think aloud. Be very explicit and direct modeling what proficient readers do to comprehend text.
3. Actively engage students in strategy use with a quick opportunity to try it out or discuss with a partner.
4. Link the lesson to the students on going reading work, "Today and everyday when you read you will.... because that is what good readers do."
5. Revisit the strategy at the end of the workshop with a whole group share. This allows the teacher to make specific connections to on going reading work in the classroom.