Mini-Lesson

A mini lesson is short, focused whole group, small group, or individual instruction. Lasting between five and fifteen minutes, mini lessons address carefully selected teaching points in reading or writing that reflect the needs of the learners being taught. A mini lesson follows a gradual release of responsibility model consisting of a connect, explicit teaching point, and an engagement piece where the teacher models and provides opportunities for guided practice. Following the mini lesson children are given time for independent practice and come together at the end of a work period in order to share and process their learning.