• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Biology Roots

Biology classroom resources designed for student comprehension.

  • Home
  • About Me
  • FAQ and Contact
  • Tips | Blog
  • Free Resources
  • Store
    • Substitute Lesson Plans
    • Biology
    • Digital Biology
    • Google Classroom
    • Anatomy
    • STAAR Biology Review
    • Assessment and Prep
    • Biology Interactive Notebooks
    • Beginning Basics
    • DAY 2 CHEER 2022

09/13 By Vanessa

Lesson Planning Tips for Block Scheduling

ShareTweetGooglePinterestMail

Block scheduling can seem like downright torture when it comes to lesson planning. But with these tips for navigating your block scheduling (typically 90 minute blocks), you’ll be smooth sailing in no time!

Block Schedule Tip #1: Do not expect perfection. 

Block Schedule Tip #2: Have a back up plan. 

Block Schedule Tip #3: Consistence is Key. 

One of my favorite quotes is “an expectation is a premeditated disappointment.” It applies to so many parts of life, including… block schedules. If you expect everything to go smoothly, well, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Having said that, you should always have a back up plan.

What is a block scheduling backup plan? This is a plan to help avoid the panic when you have done everything in your planner for the day and you still have 23 minutes remaining.

What types of things can I use as a scheduling backup plan?  If you have access to YouTube, have a few videos in mind. For biology, you can count on the amoeba sisters to have every. single. topic. covered. But there’s a plethora of fun YouTubers out there to help you out: SmarterEveryDay, Khan Academy, CrashCourse, and SciShow. Also some fun music videos dedicated to science: Arlevia Davis and sciencemusicvideos. 

If YouTube simply isn’t an option, whip out the text book and have them start defining the bold vocabulary words in the chapter, or better yet, have them start sketching the figures, too! 

No text book OR YouTube? Have them write down 3 questions they have about the lesson today, as well as 3 things they’ve learned. The most fun way to do this is on post-it notes, and they stick questions on the wall on one side of the room, and things they’ve learned in another spot on the wall. If post-its aren’t an option, a piece of paper is fine. In any case, these should be completely anonymous- no need to write their name down! Then, randomly start choosing questions they’ve written down to discuss with the class. 

Now you may be thinking, “that’s fine and dandy for if I find myself with extra time… but what about all the PLANNING to fill the entire 90 minute block?”

This is where consistence is key. Every day might be a little different, depending on where you are in the lesson. But, some things should (mostly) always be in there.

A sample schedule might look like this:

  1.  Bellringer and homework check: 10 minutes
  2. Homework or quiz review from a previous lesson- 5-10 minutes (your can also use this time for kids to organize their passed back papers or notebooks).
  3. The “meat” of your lesson- 30-45 minutes (this may also include any assessments you have for the day or any labs). 
  4. Lesson extension: coloring, demos, labs, graphing, case study, educational clips, online lesson OR moving on to a new topic- 20-40 minutes
  5. Assign homework as needed. 

If you’re new to block scheduling, or going from a 50 minute class period to a 90 minute class period, it’s helpful to guesstimate how much time you think each stage of your lesson might take to plan accordingly. 

PS) My biology units and curriculum include pacing guides and materials for both 50 minute and 90 minute blocks.

This brings me to one last tips for block scheduling: STATIONS!

Stations are perfect for block schedules, because one set easily can take up at least 45 to 50 minutes. And because they are versatile, you can use them as the “meat” of your lesson, or as your lesson extension. Oh, and it’s a student-led activity, so you’re able to grade, organize, catch up, all that good stuff- while they work! 

I’ve already got some editable task cards stations done for you. Life made easier. There are two topics available for purchase: biology task cards bundle and body systems stations bundle. 

Hope these block scheduling bustin’ tips help you out! Now go get ’em, tiger! 

  • Filed Under: General Tagged With: Classroom management

    Previous Post: « Cell-fie: Scaffolding in Biology
    Next Post: Tips for Teaching Pedigrees »

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Biology
    Roots
    ! My name is
    Vanessa Jason
    and my passion is developing resources that will make students
    love
    (and understand) science! After spending a while in the classroom, I am now committed to designing curriculum full time. Please sign up for my
    newsletter
    for tips and tools to help you be your best. I can't wait to connect with you!
    Shop

    Connect

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Purchase My Resources

    Save time and shape minds. Join for access to free resources and tools.

    Click here to sign up!

    Footer

    Let’s Connect

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email
    • Instagram

    Find It Fast!

    Recent Posts

    Copyright © 2023 · Biology Roots - Customized by Peace of Africa Designs

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. View Terms.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT


    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Home
    • About Me
    • FAQ and Contact
    • Tips | Blog
    • Free Resources
    • Store
      ▼
      • Substitute Lesson Plans
      • Biology
      • Digital Biology
      • Google Classroom
      • Anatomy
      • STAAR Biology Review
      • Assessment and Prep
      • Biology Interactive Notebooks
      • Beginning Basics
      • DAY 2 CHEER 2022