Teacher Advisor Patty Blome has a full life as a high school teacher, parent and wife. She has become an expert in using her time wisely. Here is a list of her suggestions for time management using a block schedule.

Recently, my school site missed meeting our targeted goals for our standardized testing for the first time. One of the possible reasons suggested was that our block schedule was ineffective.

I have always loved teaching in the block, so I stepped up and addressed some best practices for instruction under a block schedule that I have learned and with which I have had great success.

Subscribing to a gradual release of responsibility to students, I have a "formula" for teaching in the block that works. Several teachers who have struggled making instruction meaningful for a full block have told me that this "formula"/ model has been great for them!

Here is the sample planning model that fits my site's (San Ysidro High School)

Block Schedule (120 Minutes)

Skill/Concept Review.............................................10-15 minutes

Great time for a quick formative assessment:

 Quick write

 Word sort

 Cloze activity

HINTS! Take attendance and collect homework during this time!

Direct Instruction.................................................30-40 minutes

Interactive lecture

Video with Cornell notetaking (with discussion during or afterward)

Guided reading of text

Introduction of new concept or skill with handouts or student note taking

Shared practice.......................................................20 minutes

Small groups work collectively on task to practice skill or concept presented during Direct Instruction time. 

Stategies:

 Cooperative learning

 Numbered heads

 Writing task

 Jigsaw

Individual Practice...............................................20-30 minutes

Standards-based assignment work time

Opportunity for individual conferencing

Opportunity for students to clarify progress on tasks

Closure/ Reflection...............................................10-15 minutes

Metacognitive Journal

 (What did I learn/ How did I learn it? / How will I use it?)

Reflection on a reading completed in class

Time for students to set up for homework