Unplanned Lessons: Follow Your Plan? Psh, Follow the Students!

Instead of Lesson Plan, what about Lesson Unplanned? Times are changing and with that, so should our mindset (not could, should). It is so easy to teach the way we were taught, or to have things go well once and never seek out another method ever again.

More and more teachers are embracing students’ input in the classroom. There is an uncomfortable power shift happening from a teacher-centered to a student-centered classroom. We tend to fear the unknown (taste of a new food, where that spider went…?, different cultures, etc.). Once we experience something new a time or two, that fear dies down and we feel more comfortable trying new things. It’s that first hurdle that’s the toughest.

How many times have you heard in your classroom something like, “I don’t like this,” or “Can we learn this instead (or someday)?” At this point, do you ignore it, or run with it? Students are trying to subtly tell you that what you’re doing isn’t working for them.

If you’ve never ran with a student suggestion, try it. You’ll be surprised at the results. Not only does it keep that student’s interest, but it gives the impression to the rest of the class that you’re willing to listen to their ideas and they may be more willing to share them.

An example from my classroom is that one student mentioned learning the National Anthem in American Sign Language. All I said was, “I think we can make that work!” (my thinking was in a couple weeks or so) and suddenly I had 20 pairs of eyes on me asking me questions about it, talking amongst each other, and even taking it a step further to suggest the class perform it at the next assembly! WHAT?! All because I didn’t stick to the “plan.” My plan. I saw those kids light up and knew I had to seize the opportunity. The very next class we learned the signs and even started playing it to music. And we are set to perform in a month at our assembly! Could you imagine what I, them, and the school would have missed out on if I had said, “No, we can’t make that work until I have a break in my lesson plans. Sorry.”

In my own educational journey, I, too, have stepped out of my comfort zone. I’m writing this blog, aren’t I?  5 years ago, there’s no way you could get me to do this or convince me I have anything good to contribute. But through the professional development courses I’ve taken over the past year (shout out to our 21^st Century Innovation Specialist!), my mindset is opening to other possibilities. Like maybe someone, somewhere, will get something, even one thing, out of this. 

I share this with you to say, "It's okay." It's okay to try, it's okay to listen to your students and throw out the rest of the day's lesson plans. I actually encourage you to listen to your students more. Let them surprise you. There are several ways teachers are embracing this student-centered mindset (Genius Hour, Choice Boards, etc). Find what works for you! 

Courtney is an American Sign Language teacher at the high school level. She encourages her students to try new things and that mistakes are only a stepping block to learning. She can be reached at cdurvesh@d49.org.