Summary: The lesson starts with students self-reflecting on how active they are in class. It then moves into an explanation of active versus passive learning with hypotheticals to help students better  understand the differences. Then the lesson moves into five tips for active learning. The first, go to class and participate, includes a participation bingo card for students to complete. Tip 2 is find a reason to care. Tip 3 is listen with your brain and body and students are asked to draw a monster and then to try to get a classmate to recreate the same monster without getting to see it. Tip 4 is ask questions and tip 5 is reflect and make changes. Then the students move into the extension activities, choosing between creating games, posters, or help guides on active learning. 

Teaching notes: Many of the lessons in unit 3 are long as they build in opportunities for students to try on the study skills covered in the lessons. The bingo is included early so that students can play it over the course of the lesson. They tend to cross off things pretty randomly, so we find it helpful to make them explain when they did at least some of the things they crossed off.

Approximate length: 140-160 minutes

About the curriculum: School success relies on key skills that students are rarely taught. The goal of this curriculum is to level the playing field and to directly teach the executive functioning, self-regulation, and life skills that all students need to succeed in school. Through 20 lessons across four units, this year long curriculum will help students build a foundation for success in school and life– and leave them with an individualized success workbook at the end of the program.